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Melbourne, Victoria – Australia ‘Floral tributes at the Bourke Street Mall’.  A single pink heart sits above the sea of floral tributes left in memory of those killed in road trauma 20th January, 2017.   Photographed by Karen Robinson_www.idoartkarenrobinson.com.  NB: All images are protected by copyright laws.

INTRODUCTION

Just recently I attended Writers Victoria’s workshop titled ‘Poetry The Foundations’ at the Wheeler Centre, Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne – Australia.  The day long session was conducted by Ali Alizadeh – tutor. The workshop covered: “(1) what is poetry, and what makes it a unique form of writing; (2) what is contemporary poetry; (3) what are the most important forms of poetry in Australia today; (4) how to begin and complete writing a poem; and (5) how to find an audience for our poetry” (Writers Victoria 2017).

‘BOURKE STREET’ PROSE POEM INSPIRATION

During the second half of the day, we were given the opportunity to write our own poem/prose based on a selection of prompts given to the group by Ali.  I chose ‘Bourke Street’ as this immediately resonated with me, as it did with others in the group as well. Melbourne on 20 January, 2017 experienced a dreadful road trauma event in the heart of our city and had deeply affected Victorians.  After the session, I walked to the Bourke Street Mall where there laid thousands of Floral Tributes. It was a very sad sight and deeply moving…

After further work on my prose poem, I felt I had reached a point where no more needed to be done, or at least no more that I wanted to do.  I titled the prose poem ‘Bourke Street’ and is featured here below.

Melbourne, Victoria – Australia- ‘Floral tributes at the Bourke Street Mall’ photographed by Karen Robinson_www.idoartkarenrobinson.com_2201700720170125 NB: All images are protected by copyright laws

— Bourke Street —

♥

­

the news charged

into my space

demanding my

immediate attention

my response

‘no - not in my town

my city’




screaming

now from within me

the memory of my son

killed in road trauma

my senses heightened

I find myself again

saying

‘no - not in my town

my city’




this Bourke Street driver

killed

and maimed

without a thought




one baby

one child

and 4 others

run down,

slaughtered

in my town,

my city.




Melbourne now mourns

cries in disbelief

while loved ones

crumble in their despair

yes — in my town,

my city.


- o - 


Prose Poem © Karen Robinson - January 2017

­

Please click here to read more of my Poetry & Prose - 2017,2016 & 2015

Melbourne, Victoria – Australia- ‘Floral tributes at the Bourke Street Mall’ photographed by Karen Robinson_www.idoartkarenrobinson.com_2201700420170125 NB: All images are protected by copyright laws

Melbourne, Victoria – Australia- ‘Floral tributes at the Bourke Street Mall’ photographed by Karen Robinson_www.idoartkarenrobinson.com_2201700220170125 NB: All images are protected by copyright laws

CONCLUSION

To those who lost loved ones on that day, my deepest condolences.  To those who experienced injury, I wish for you a speedy recovery, and to the family and friends directly impacted by this dreadful act – my thoughts are with you…

NB:  A special thank you to Judy Bird who continues to provide me with ongoing support with my creative writing efforts.

© Karen Robinson – February 2017

Whilst you are here – please check out my home page!  Post-traumatic Growth – My Art Therapy Journey – A window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy, photography and storytelling…by Karen Robinson