silence

As is usual at this time of year; I have started a writing challenge with a good friend… this year we have to write 4 pieces – 2 prose and 2 poems; with topics decided by friends. As I prefer prose; I’m writing prose pieces with a poem thrown in for good measure

These are my fourth pieces – a prose and poem topic “Silence as a state of being” …

It had been a good visit.

I loved catching up with friends and whanau.

Dinners out; dinners in. Lunches. Noisy restaurants, delicious food, gossip, raucous laughter

A trip to the movies to see the latest franchise release

All the appointments – hair, teeth and nails; like the old thoroughbred I am lol

Sorting out all that paperwork – doctors, lawyers, accountants

A bit of shopping, for the allotment mainly, but a few essentials too

I bounced babies on my knee, entertained toddlers with games and stories

I baked to fill their tins

I played with the new puppies – as did the pooch – well playing is a stretch – the odd growl to put them in their place. Remind them of their status in life

Hearing all the news. Advising if asked, just nodding if not

That last night, when all the bairns and bonus bairns came home for dinner, bringing partners and their bairns. I sat listening to the old shit-talking; the laughter; the deep voices. Feeling the rhythm of 100 dinners before. A new partner, shy, sitting on the edge, until they were swept in, all those arms welcoming and hugging

The cooking done for me, no longer by me. The food as eclectic as ever. A few familiars, some new creations.

The hubbub, the chit chat. Another lethal evening of board and card games played – all still competitive; all knowing each other’s Achilles heels. The new one proving to be as insightful and combative as all the old hands.

The shrieks of laughter

The baby who fell asleep nestled into my shoulder….

The hugs goodnight: until the next time we gathered…

The pooch snoring on the back seat. No room in the back, a large stock up run to the supermarket. All of my essentials for the next couple of months. The supermarket had been busy. Full of holiday makers; kids whining for a treat. Campervan couples arguing over the cheese and wine. Distracted parents trying to just get the basics. The Muzak too loud, tempers short. The assistants with smiles painted on their faces. The tills beeping

The road was hot and summer busy.

Summer traffic, cars full to the brim; bikes hanging off the back. A convoy of campervans. Sheep trucks with their odorous load. Small cars zipping along; old bangers groaning up the hills. A pair of cyclists, bikes loaded with packs and panniers slowly, backs hunched, peddling to freedom. Bad overtakings – blind corners, just avoiding the oncoming cars. Motorbikes roaring past, 2 abreast, black helmets, worn patches, girlfriends holding on their backs. A group of teens hanging out on the bed of a ute, drying their wet towels in the wind

It has been a hot summer. I love the browning of the hills. More toffee caramel than burnt brown. Softly rolling against the bluest of skies. I wonder how the sheep find enough to eat. Bright green grapevines marching in tight rows up the hills….

I stop at the end of the drive to check the mail. A huge wad of junk and not much else

I leave the heaving highway behind

A short drive between There and Here

The pooch wakes, tail wagging. Jumps out of the car, HUGE stretch, paws at the door.

I let him in, he flops on his old grey bed, contented sigh and falls back asleep

I throw open the veranda doors and step outside

I smell saltiness of the sea

I taste the sweet strawberry plucked fresh from the garden

I feel the warm breeze stirring in the old Macrocarpa hedge

I hear the Pacific ebbing and flowing, just past the end of the garden

I see Home

Finally the cacophony of voices in my head stills

I exhale the breath I’ve been holding for a week

Silence…

-//-//-//-//-//-//-

In, 2, 3

Did I check the mail?

Has the cat thrown up again?

Where is that form I need to fill out?

Out, 2, 3

Did I offend Jane with that text? She hasn’t responded yet

Why does my toe hurt?

Have we got enough butter?

In, 2, 3

When is the dog’s vet appointment?

What will I wear to the 21^st next month?

Out, 2, 3

Where did this bloody bruise come from?

OMG! Why are the dogs barking again??

In, 2, 3

Why hasn’t Jane responded yet? What did I say this time?

Who was I supposed to call about the garbage disposal unit?

Out, 2, 3

What can I smell?

In, 2,3

What can I taste?

Out, 2, 3

What can I feel on my skin?

In, 2, 3

What can I hear?

Out, 2, 3

what can I see around me?

In, 2, 3

Out, 2, 3

In, 2, 3

Out, 2, 3

Silence….