Flying to Sydney 

For a family birthday; 

Clouds defy gravity 

Ethereal 

Brilliant in their white.

There are young children 

Whose faces light up

When we take off.

Their unbridled delight 

A reminder

Of what truly matters,

to stay

In the moment.

At the birthday lunch

I try to savour

The company

The food

And the beautiful setting.

Elderly mother

Falls

Again

A metaphor 

For her decline.

A nondescript tree

Hosts bright red flowers

Attracting lorikeets 

Whose raucous squawking and chittering 

Is the sound of joy.