grief

Do your loved ones know?

What follows is a poem relecting on the ‘to opt-in or to opt-out’ organ donation debate.  It is inspired by this Australian news article. This is me, trying to decide….because opt-in or opt-out, a decision must be made. Opt-out systems do not sit well with me, because to actively opt-out judges you an a#$😱hole, even …

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When death is not an option

(Inspired by this article) The parallels between birthing and dying I have long fascinated me.  My Birth Map is to birth, as an Advanced Care Directive is to death. The thought that death must be avoided,  is a last resort,  is always a tragedy,  and anything natural is stupid or insane, disturbs me.  We do …

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The Legacy of Eurydice

10 000 people attended a vigil for Eurydice in Melbourne: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-18/eurydice-dixon-vigil-parks-melbourne-crowds/9880894 How many woman must die? As one attendee reminded us…”Nothing’s changed, from Jill Meagher to this day,” Jill, from Brunswick (not far from where Eurydice lived), was raped and kill in 2012, also by a stranger as she walked home at night. Nearly 6 …

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Facing Birth Facing Death

The parallels between birthing and dying are profound.  It can be an awesome experience to observe and a great honour to be present in the moment.  Or it can be a stressful, awkward experience.  Following are two poems.  The first is a medicalised experience, full of fear and uncertainty.  The second could be a natural, …

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In your grandmother’s womb: The egg that made you.

Within my mum, within her mum, a tiny egg was developed*, Within my matriarchal line this egg was enveloped, The time came, this awesome egg received it’s spark And Two new humans formed, ready to make their mark. Two within, and within them seven who came to be And within five of them were eggs …

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