Dear Stray

A guy I know only from his postings on Wild Dogs posted a poignant story today... here it is, I hope Andrew does not mind me borrowing it...

"We have a stray that has hung around our offices for many years. She was already old when I first saw her.

Over the last 2 years she has tamed up a bit but doesn’t like to be picked up and will only tolerate being scratched in small amounts. Some of the staff here feed her now and then. She is not what you'd call a "house cat". I have had to answer more than a few ADT alerts as a result of her being locked in the offices and was half keen to “get rid” of her on those occasions where 3am on a Sunday wasn’t funny anymore.

She was never what you’d call a good looking thing; always thin, ribs and the left overs pelt from a bad dose of mange years ago had seen to that. She was not the brightest and unusually, for a cat, looked it too. She’d always half look at one as if it was always a bit of a struggle to put two and two together.

Recently she slowed down a lot and over the last week gave up on eating. She had a large cyst in between her front legs and only walked with clear discomfort.

I had to take her in for her first and last ride in the car this morning. She was unexpectedly very calm and easy going into the cat carrier.

When asked by the front desk lady her name, I was a bit stumped, we’d never given her one, nobody had owned her, “will Skin and Bones do?”

We sat quietly for 10 minutes or so while I was worked into the queue.

Finally, after a bit of a honest conversation with the Vet about options, the humane thing was decided.

The vet asked, “did I want to stay during her last moments?”

I hadn’t thought about this as it was all a bit unexpected. It seemed very cowardly to leave her to it on her own. She’d never asked for much, just a few 3am callouts.

I couldn’t talk on the way out and thank goodness for dark glasses. Who would have thought a stray would be that hard on the plumbing? That was a tough morning. I couldn't be a Vet for sure!


Dear Stray

I knew you long but lightly.
I am sorry that you had to go.
The lightest of touches, away.

I’ll miss your light time here
Come back how you wish
Anytimes fine, Dear Stray


Cheers Girl, come visit when you have time."
I still have tears in my eyes... good on you Andrew.
"If animals could speak the dog would be a a blundering outspoken fellow, but the cat would have the rare grace of never saying a word too much." - Mark Twain

The end of the world as we know it

Photo - By Marco Fulle on April 16th, 2010.
Sounds bad I know but looking at the grounding of flights in the EU due to Eyjafjallajokull volcano on Iceland makes one realize that humanity has become dependent on technology for survival. Imagine what would happen if another few volcanoes decide to go active? This serves to remind us how powerless we are against nature. It also serves to remind me that no matter what, God is always in control and that no powers or principalities can come against him.
Maybe we need to re-evaluate both our techno-dependency and our relationship with God, the creator of the splendors of nature we are now witnessing in Iceland?
While getting some of the links for this I came across this funny poem about the recent travails at BoingBoing... By Jeff Skoll... E-Bay's first president... Sums it up thus...

This is an ode to the volcano
That sent our travel plans into the draino
I'm not really one to complaino
But this all hurts my little braino
Madrid, Casablanca, Amsterdam, Rejkavik on cruiseships
The trains will fail
All the escape routes that we planned
Are blocked by nature or by man
We heard the French trains may soon be striking
At this rate we'll all be biking
With our luck we'll all be struck by lightning!
This is all rather frightening
So better we all meet at TED
That is what I should have said
So thank you June and thank you all
Damn the volcano, let's have a ball

"[Poetry] is the lava of the imagination whose eruption prevents an earthquake." Lord Byron (1788 - 1824)

Welcome to the Iron Butt club...

Once again we did over 2000 kilos in a week... to say our bums are numb is an understatement... that being said we had an amazing seven days break and had a good time getting in touch with family again.
Rain gear in Smithfield... and all the way to Sheppie.

The bridge over the Orange River at night...

Umdlodi... at last a decent Java.

Full Moon...

Waning Moon the next evening...

Cormorant drying it's wings on the rocks...

Ballito and more coffee...

Argyle Arms... do not let the cover of a book fool you... a warm bed and good food for the weary travelers.
The Berg...

The Tree... reminds me of two other trees... One being the Easter Tree... the other was one I wrote a poem about. Putting it up down below...

Lichens pass from the other end...

Red mountains... and mountainous clouds... Moondancer taking in the view from the edge...

Almost home...
Here is the poem, not meant to be pretty but fitting with what we as Christians believe;
The Tattered Tree

The smell of Semtex frightens even the vultures.
The horror of shreds of bone and sinew hang in the tattered trees.
Inglorious, unjust, incomprehensible inhumanity.
How can one justify gaining freedom by making victims
out of the very people you claim to be standing for?

Time is supposed to fade the memory,
but today it seared my mind again just like that day!
Today another tribe is claiming to be a savior,
more evil than before they slaughter kith and kin.
They claim to be of divine ordination.

When will those blinded by worldly rights become aware...
that the condescending stance is but a weakness in the eyes of
those that contemplate the downfall of the very freedom that these rights ensconce?
That these rights are used as weapons to tear themselves asunder.

How many more of these tattered trees must humanity endure?
What must be done for peace to endure?
Then I remember another tattered Tree with it's unbearable load.
That's when I sink to my knees and pray...
This Easter once more I realized how much we have to strive to live up to the example that was show to us on that Tree... Love one another as I love you...
Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Begging at the gate called Beautiful

I was a beggar at the gate called Beautiful,
I stood up and walked as you commanded,
I danced for joy and praised your name.
But what can I do for the beggar at the gate?

Money and silver I have not,
Gold and riches I am wont,
Yet I have a gift more precious than ruby.
Let my life now witness the gift of eternity.

May I be a channel for your Spirit,
May I be a light when there is dark,
May I be what you want of me.
Lest I forget the beggar at the gate called Beautiful.

[via FoxyTunes / Don Fransisco - Grace on Grace]

When God came and lived among us
We could see His glory shine
A glory like no one before Him
Nor will be through endless time
Far beyond the power of angels
Wholly God and wholly man
So full of grace and truth and mercy
With a Shepperd's gentle hand

Moses gave the Law to bind us
The prophets spoke just as they had heard
But Jesus came and lived among us
And we touched the Living Word
Seeing Jesus, we saw the Father
The Great Physician, the sinner's Friend
Loving all who would receive Him
And he loved us to the end

Virgin-born the Son of David
By jealous hatred was crucified
Oh, but the grave just could not hold Him
And He arose, no more to die
Rising sun of life unbounded
The light of all who ever see
And from His overflowing bounty
Grace on grace He gave to you and me

When Jesus came and lived among us
We could see His glory shine
When He ascended to the Father
He made the glory yours and mine
The promised power -- His Holy Spirit
Has come to make our hearts His home
To shine the righteous light of Jesus
Until He comes back to claim His own
'Til He comes back to claim His own
Today God touched me in a personal way, pastor's sermon was based on Acts 3, a chapter together with Acts 14, which I have been re reading ever since Wednesday when I was told I could start walking on my leg. Getting a message confirmed in this way is awesome. We are reminded that we are supposed to reach out in faith and touch peoples lives, not always the easiest thing to do... God will grant you the wisdom through his Spirit to be able to do and say the right thing when next you get to the beggar at the gate called Beautiful. (the opening poem is courtesy of my muse)
"Job 28:18 Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies."

Lunchtime scribble

When there is faith - Robert Le Noury
When one door closes another opens,
when you finish one page there is another,
when one shooting star fades you see the moon.

There is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
There is always a silver lining around that cloud.
There is a reason for each season.

When you ask it shall be given,
when cry you will be comforted,
when you rejoice the Angels sing.

There are more answers than questions.
There are more smiles than frowns.
There is a reason for living.

Faith teaches us these truths.
Faith holds fast when others dispair.
Faith is true when all else is vain.
I have had rather a long day so the above will have to do for today, it came to me while munching lunch today...
"Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith."
Saint Francis of Assisi (1181 - 1226)

Half a world away

I count myself blessed with quite an average circle of friends in real life and over the interwebs I have "met" quite a few others that I can call friend as well, some are fellow soldiers from my time in the SADF on our mail-group and others from blogging. Some have been part of my life so long that I know if and when we meet face to face they will be exactly as I picture them, others have revealed their faces and I have been amazed that they look very like I imagined. Others I have eventually had the honour of meeting over a cup of coffee or a cold one, they are now real friends.
It is because we have shared part of our lives over time and countless snippets, sometimes light hearted and other times deep sorrow as they shared a glimpses of their lives.
Some people say one should not give the same value to your online friends as your real friends, but I disagree. The test of any friendship is how well you communicate and empathise with the other person and how you witness them in your life as well as you being a witness in theirs. Because in reality we will meet them all face to face one day.
That is why I thank Moondancer for using something she had on her blog, it was in Afrikaans but is 100% relevant in any language;
How can I pray Our when I live a self centered life, how can I say Father if I am not His child, how can I say Who art in heaven, if I still live an adamic life
How can I pray Hallowed be Thy Name. when I use it as a curse?
How can I pray Thy Kingdom come. when I do not witness.
How can I pray Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. when I want my own way every day
How can I pray Give us this day our daily bread. when I ignore those in need.
How can I pray And forgive us our trespasses, when I still hold grudges
How can I pray as we forgive those who trespass against us. when I cannot forgive others
How can I pray And lead us not into temptation, when I do not give up those desires
How can I pray but deliver us from evil. when I do not acknowledge the power of the Spirit
How can I say Amen. when I do not have childlike faith?

How can I say For thine is the kingdom, when I do not serve Jesus, how can I say and the power, when I let fear rule my life, how can I say and the glory, for ever and ever. when I rule my own life. Amen
By the way this part is not in the original Gospels and I separated it for that reason but I like using it to emphasise God's authority when I pray The Lords Prayer.

This is a poem that I wrote for all those people Half a World Away from me that have touched my life through the years;

I read your words, written half a world away.
I wished I could be there to hug and reassure.
I felt your pain at another lost love.
You painted a picture with your words I could see.
You revealed your sacred duty with words of mirth.
The sound of battle was almost real to me.

Each one of my friends, half a world away.
Read each day, wished well each night.
As the sun rises on my side it sets on yours,
Know that even when your face is unseen,
I appreciate and value your part in my life.

Each one of you, half a world away I pray,
May Angels be with those in jeopardy.
My comfort be with those who have lost,
something or someone, tangible or real.
May you all be witness to each other,
Half a world away, someday we will meet.

So as my circle friends grows and ebbs like the tide I am thankful for each and every one for touching my life and making me a better person, the same way pebbles get shaped in a stream we get shaped by the friends we meet and although some share a brief time with us in the stream others stay nestled up close and slowly become familiar trusted souls on the same adventure of life. Sharing and bearing each other through good and bad times. Always a stone throw away, by phone or e-mail or across the fence. Half a world away...

"The holy passion of Friendship is of so sweet and steady and loyal and enduring a nature that it will last through a whole lifetime, if not asked to lend money." Mark Twain (1835 - 1910), Pudd'nhead Wilson

Friday Four

Now for some beginning of the weekend music... With lyrics and because I like the songs..

[via FoxyTunes / Tina Cousins]- Forever (Live)

(chorus)
Just hold me now, just hold me now
Say you'll stay forever
Say the day will never come
Just hold me now, just hold me now
Stay this way forever, oh
'Cos we've only just begun

Tell me why do lovers have to leave?
I know it happens all the time
And it's so sad 'cos this time it's you and me
I know I'm losing you but I just can't believe it,
baby

(Chorus)

Tell me why do feelings have to change?
What happened to the love I knew?
Feel it fading a little more each day
And so I'm losing you but I can't take the truth,
no baby

(repeat chorus)

'cos we've only just begun

(repeat first verse)

(repeat chorus)

Tell me why do lovers have to leave?
What can I say... I just love her songs...

[via FoxyTunes / Texas]-In Demand (with Alan Rickman)

when we were together I was blown away
just like paper from a fan
but you would act like I was just a kid
like we were never gonna' last

but now I've got someone who cares for me, (yeah)
wrote my name in silver sands
I think you know you've lost the love of your life
(you said) I was the best you've ever had

because I'm in demand, (hey)

you're thinking of the way you should've held my, (hand)
and all the times you'd say you didn't understand
you never had our love written in your, (plans)

but now I'm in demand

I never think you saw the best of me (ahh haa haa haa)
there's a side you'll never know
'cos love and loving are two different things (ah haa haa haa)
set your sights far too low

but now I've got someone who cares for me, (yeah)
he wrote my name in silver sands
I think you know you've lost the love of your life
(you said) I was the best you've ever had

because I'm in demand, (hey)

you're thinking of the way you should've held my (hand)
and all the times you'd say you didn't understand
you never had our love written in your plans

but now I'm in demand

you're thinking of the way you've should've of held my (hand)
and all the times you'd say you didn't understand
you never had our love written in your , (plans)

but now I'm in demand

it's only when I fall asleep
I see that winning smile
when my dreams just move along
you've lost the race by miles

yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
stay, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

because I'm in demand
you're thinking of the way you should've of held my (hand)
and all the times you'd say you didn't understand
you never had our love in your, (plans)

but now I'm in demand, (yeah)
you know I'm in demand
(say you're in demand)
you know I'm in demand, (yeah)
always in demand, (yeah)
never had our love written in your plans
you know I'm in demand

you see me in demand
Spiterri at her smouldering best...

[via FoxyTunes / Time Bandits]- Endless Road

Time can only whisper truth for both of us
All the answers I can't find, I put my trust
In a never ending road that leads to my door

I don't want you to go, my love
That's all you have to know
And I want you to have my soul
Somebody show me the way

And I want you to know, my love
It's an endless road 'till love finally comes our way
My love
Ooohooohooohooo

My love
It's an endless road 'till love finally comes our way
My love
Oooh

Now we fought against a wall when love was 'bout to fall
We tried to make it flow, but love wouldn't let us go
Crazy us, for all those wasted words

I don't want you to go my love
That's all you have to know
And I want you to have my soul
Somebody show me the way

And I want you to know, my love
It's an endless road 'till love finally comes our way
My love
Ooohooohooohooo

My love
It's an endless road 'till love finally comes our way
My love
Ooohooohooohooo

And I want you to know, my love
It's an endless road 'till love finally comes our way
My love
Ooohooohooohooo

My love
It's an endless road 'till love finally comes our way
My love
Ooohooohooohooo

My love
It's an endless road 'till love finally comes our way
My love
Ooohooohooohooo
This sounds like adventuring...

[via FoxyTunes / Midge Ure]- If I Was

If I Was
If I was a better man
Would fellow men take me to their hearts
If I was a stronger man
Carrying the weight of popular demand
Tell me would that alarm her
I'd never harm her at all
If I was a soldier
Captive arms I'd lay before her
If I was a sailor
Seven oceans I'd sail to her
If I was a wiser man
Would other men reach out and touch me
If I was a kinder man
Dishing up love for a hungry world
Tell me would that appease her
I want to please her again
If I was a painter
I'd paint a world that couldn't taint her
If I was a leader
On food of love from above I would feed her
If I was a poet
All my love in burning words I would show it
If I was her lover
Her eyes in kisses I would cover

Come here my baby
Oh they can't touch you now
I'll keep you safe and warm
I'll never leave you at all

Come here my baby
Oh they won't touch you
Dishing up love for a hungry world
Tell me would that appease you
I want to please you again

If I was a soldier
Captive arms I'd lay before her
If I was a sailor
Seven oceans I'd sail to her
If I was a painter
I'd paint a world that couldn't taint her
If I was a leader
On food of love from above I would feed her
If I was a poet
All my love in burning words I would show it
Midge is a year younger than I am... amazing, this has always been one of my favourite songs ever, it never seems to get old.
Around four years ago I thought I was destined to be alone forever, wandering down this endless road, if I was in demand I did not know it. Then I met a wonderful lady named Inge who changed my view of life and made me start the new chapter of striving for adventure and looking at each day with joy and thanks. Sadly our time together was short before she was called to Heaven. So once again here is the poem I wrote in memory of her.
The Gift - Robert Le Noury
You showed that life is today,
not tomorrow,
not yesterday.
Wear your heart for the world to see,
for tomorrow it may have faded.
Tell me you love me now,
dont hesitate,
for tomorrow is but a mirage,
yesterday was a golden memory.
So have a good weekend and make those golden memories with the ones you love.
"People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost." H. Jackson Browne, P. S. I Love You

Amica donna mia

The title means "My lady friend" in Italian, to me the most romantic language to listen to in song, as I do not speak it or French for that matter I suppose it is a silly statement, but I have always found Italian songs more comfortable on the ear than French. Francisco Napoli, Eros Ramazzotti, Zuchero, Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli and the list goes on, all favourites of mine and all speak to my heart better than most French singers, the exception being Francoise Hardy... I had a schoolboy crush on her when her song Only You Can Do It (Je veux qu'il revienne) was a hit in the mid sixties and the pictures of her helped too...
I remember this one... sellotaped to my door...
My image of the quintessential Biker Chick... maybe she started me thinking about bikes?
Francois today... still good looking but not my type anymore... but I still like her music. In any case this is going slightly off track here, I wanted to focus on the Italian singers and the way they carry the passion of the song through their voices.

The song in question by Eros Ramazotti will always hold a special place in my heart as it reminds me of KatieB, when I hear it I picture her on the stand at the track, score sheet in hand, watching the bikes going over the finish jump while the song plays over the PA. I suppose I should have been focused on the race but I could not help stealing a glance her way and noticing how enthralled she was with the race. I think I feel the same way when I look at her, I see someone that is willing to put up with this crazy guy that loves motorbikes and dirt racing then I realize it is more than that... she actually shares my passions, how great is that? So to my Amica donna mia I want to say you stole my heart again that day... I hope to lose it each time we have an adventure or spend time together. Can one lose your heart to a friend? I believe so... I had better stop before I cause another Tsunami...

Just like a month ago when I went and blurted out my feelings over coffee and muffins... not that they have changed much. I have just learned to take each day at a time and be the person that she feels safe with, it is a learning curve for both of us I suppose but every day I realize this is a precious thing that has been given to us and we should treat it as such and nurture it like a special plant in a garden, too much water and it drowns, too much fertiliser and it wilts, too much pruning and it dies back. What I want to say is that I will always be your friend my Amica donna mia...

So here is my verse set to the same title:
Ere there was a time I was alone like the sands on the shore,
One amongst a billion, unseen unnoticed, unwitnessed,
Then my eyes were opened,
My soul was touched,
My life became reality,
You became my witness and I became yours,
You showed me that my dreams had purpose,
You became a lighthouse in my storms,
My arms became stronger,
Walls came tumbling down,
Friendship forged through adventure shared,
Amica donna mia forever.

Corrosive Transformer

This weekend I have been in in a Blue Funk. I know I have to get a few things done but am in this horrid mood, not very good company and I seem to be as emotional as a teen. I wondered why and thought I may just read my horoscope to see if I could get cheered up somewhat, I mean they usually are so vague and positive I may even feel better so I went to a site and got this back after filling in my profile.
Saturday - Maximum restraint
During this time you are touchy and unsure of yourself, and so you are easily hurt or insulted, or you tend to be hurtful yourself - there may be triggers for these situations but in reality no obvious cause. Maximum restraint is called for in interpersonal interactions. You should really treat everyone with kid gloves to avoid doing harm to your relationships or to yourself. If you are already in dispute with someone, you should try to avoid this person at this time. Whatever it is about, an argument or difference of opinion that you want to settle or continue during this time, it would only lead mutual hurt.
Maybe that is why I decided to stay at the Karting all day... the one person there that I have a slight disagreement with about the Moon Hoax and other Conspiracy Theories before tried once again to convince me... I sensed a need to run away or punch him in the face... I only phoned M to find out what his plans were for the day... Felt that the less people I talked to the better. On the way home I picked up some salad things as I wanted to cook some boerewors and chips with salad. I was pleasantly surprised that L had made some Macaroni and Cheese with mince... no need for cooking so we had a decent meal and after watching TV we went to bed...
Sunday - Your negative side
Weak, transient effect: Today during the day you are inclined to keep your feelings and innermost thoughts to yourself. A sense of loneliness or isolation frequently accompanies this period of time, or depression and a general sense of pessimism. Domestic problems may also accompany this influence, usually because you feel that in some way your domestic life is not giving you what it should. This is part of a larger feeling that you are not getting support or assistance from anyone or anything, which may or may not be true. Your real problem is either that you are cut off from your emotions or that your emotions are too unpleasant to deal with. This influence may force you to briefly experience what you consider to be your negative side. Thus there is a strong conflict between what you think of yourself and what you think you should be.
Yeowch! This is scary... That is spot on, this morning I had woken up really feeling funky, I had these weird dreams and I think I actually cried in my sleep, my pillow was damp! My feelings are not A1 at present, in fact they are rather a deep shade of purple tinged with magenta. The reason being I dreamed that I had lost a friend and it really upset me because at present this friend is precious to me, however if we were to have met over the weekend I think my corrosive mood would have dissolved it like a pearl in vinegar... that cannot be allowed to happen.
So all this has made the muse in me put these words down to try and make sense of my feelings.

Lost without you - Robert Le Noury
Hot salty tears flow down my face
Thinking about you
To be lost without you would be unbearable
Thinking about you
You said you are not ready for more
You want my friendship
That is a given, it is unquestioned
But thinking of you
Hot salty tears flow down my face
Thinking about you
To be lost without you would be unbearable

Back from the mall... L wanted to go to the movies so just before lunch we went to the mall, bought tickets to see Transformers, had lunch at Catch22. The trout was delicious but the service was lacklustre, do not think I will be there again. (See the foul mood thing again?)
Transformers was awesome... the TV trailer does not do it justice, I was blown away by the CGI animation of the robots. At least that made me feel somewhat better. The Simpsons trailer had us laughing too, I just hope those were not all the gags... The Arnie character's line "I vos voted in to lead, not read" is classic.
Got to see a beautifull sunset as well, went to the track and moved the caravan just before sunset, the Cirrus clouds turned orange then pink as the sun set. Wish I had grabbed the camera!
So all in all I am feeling much better, Monday may just be a good day after all.
"I am a kind of paranoiac in reverse. I suspect people of plotting to make me happy". J. D. Salinger (1919 - )

Numbered four...

A short poem I cobbled today after looking at some amazing stuff on Apod and Life, to me it is a wonderous thing that all living things are governed by just four nucleotides arranged in such a myriad of diffent life patterns, surely no one can doubt that God exists?
Numbered Four - Robert Le Noury
Twenty seven letters and eight notes
does poetry and music make.
All these words we say,
all the notes we play,
to give meaning to our longing,
to make clear the desire,
of love and life,
of trouble and strife
never mixed never cloned.
How wonderous then!
When considering,
He made us of nucleotides
numbered four!
Keeping up with the four theme here are the lyrics of the day:
Greenfields - Brothers Four - Music & Lyrics : Terry Gilkyson - Rich Dehr - Frank Miller
Once there were green fields, kissed by the sun.
Once there were valleys, where rivers used to run.
Once there were blue skies, with white clouds high above.
Once they were part of an everlasting love.
We were the lovers who strolled through green fields.

Green fields are gone now, parched by the sun.
Gone from the valleys, where rivers used to run.
Gone with the cold wind, that swept into my heart.
Gone with the lovers, who let their dreams depart.
Where are the green fields, that we used to roam ?

I'll never know what, made you run away.
How can I keep searching when dark clouds hide the day.
I only know there's, nothing here for me.
Nothing in this wide world, left for me to see.

Still I'll keep on waiting, until you return.
I'll keep on waiting, until the day you learn.
You can't be happy, while your heart's on the roam,
You can't be happy until you bring it home.
Home to the green fields, and me once again.
My restore task is progressing, tonight I should have CCR, and most of my '60/'70/'80's music back from my various CD compilations. Have you ever seen the rain is quite apt as we are having a shower as I type this up. By the way, the link goes to the website of Creedence Clearwater Revisited, a group playing CCR's music in the original style and seem to be wowing the audiences.
Something I agree with exept when you are out in the sun, then one is a neccessary evil...
"A hat should be taken off when you greet a lady and left off for the rest of your life. Nothing looks more stupid than a hat." P. J. O'Rourke 1947 -

Nature's wonders and flowers on the wall...

Kiepersol tree Cancerbush
Some pics I took a month ago at the local botanical gardens, the Kiepersol or Cabbage tree is an amazing plant and characteristic of our Free State Koppies (hills), the Cancerbush was supposed to cure certain cancers in the time of the Groot Trek, today it is being investigated for medicinal properties. Sometimes names given by the older generation are appropriate.
Flowers On The Wall - Statler Brothers
I keep hearing you're concerned about my happiness
But all that thought you're giving me is conscience, I guess
If I were walking in your shoes I wouldn't worry none
While you and your friends are worrying 'bout me, I'm having lots of fun

Counting flowers on the wall
That don't bother me at all
Playing solitaire till dawn with a deck of 51
Smoking cigarettes and watching Captain Kangaroo
So don't tell me I've nothing to do

Last night I dressed in tails pretended I was on the town
As long as I can dream it's hard to slow this swinger down
So please don't give a thought to me I'm really doing fine
You can always find me here and having quite a time

Counting flowers on the wall
That don't bother me at all
Playing solitaire till dawn with a deck of 51
Smoking cigarettes and watching Captain Kangaroo
So don't tell me I've nothing to do

It's good to see you, I must go, I know I look a fright
Anyway my eyes are not accustomed to this light
And my shoes are not accustomed to this hard concrete
So I must go back to my room and make my day complete

Counting flowers on the wall
That don't bother me at all
Playing solitaire till dawn with a deck of 51
Smoking cigarettes and watching Captain Kangaroo
So don't tell me I've nothing to do

Listening to the song and some others on my PC and what with a conversation I had earlier today I came up with this short one...
Wednesday Blues in Dancing Shoes - Robert Le Noury
Jip, that's me tonight, melancholy and blue
wondering what you are going to do
anticipating a meltdown
expecting a fall
I'll be there when you call,
I'm always there when you call...
Ah well, such are the vagaries of the Universe.
"Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a function."

Losers

Had a great day out at the track... got a lot done and the grounds and track proper look good... Then it was on to the Prowlers Poker Run prizegiving to support my friends and who was there? Looking stunning! and in the company of probably the biggest loser this side of the Sahara... (jealousy rearing its ugly head), why does it bother me? I really do not know.. In any case here is the result of tonight's interlude...
Loser - Robert Le Noury
Loser
What does he have that I do not
What does he do that I have not
What does he feel that I do not
What?

Loser
When will he be the one to feel the pain
When will you see that none gain
When will you see that you are the agony
When?

Loser
You had my heart
You had it all in the palms...
My scorned and scorched heart
Why?

Loser
Still I care
Hoping, even dare
Maybe you care...
Who?

Loser
When will you see?
What must I do?
Why should I care?
Who loves you no matter what?
I do...

You are lost... I am found
wanting, waiting
forever aching for you.

Losers never win...
but who is lost
who is found?
Am I the loser or are you?
Well, off to bed to try and recover from my memories and get some rest before we go trackside...
**If at first you don't succeed, find out if the loser gets anything.** Bill Lyon
Edited in retrospect...