A poem from my first book, Something That Comes Close. Illustration by Spike.

A poem from my first book, Something That Comes Close. Illustration by Spike.

For Betty. 16 January 1931 to 4 February 2025

It can be odd the ways in which one's mind plays tricks on us. My mind certainly. Today is the 25th anniversary of my arrival in Australia.

I've made no plans which is simultaneously liberating and -- possibly -- the daftest-plan-ever in a long life of Dougie's daft plans.

I see how it geta its name.

They do say ... write as if your life depended on it.

If we do not learn from the past and act consciously to move forward progressively to a better future, we risk repeating our mistakes.

In memory of a great Australian. With thanks to Margaret, Bruce, Ray and Karen for asking me to write this tribute. It was a privileges.

Like many of us (I suppose) I have been reading about and listening to the former Prime Minister of Australia with sorrow (genuine) and ....

I was born a city boy. And I have grown into a suburban adult, it would seem.