Nice to see you.

2018 Best New Talent - Short and Sweet Festival Sydney
2014 Pushcart Prize nominee. (more)


She wondered how her life had come to this...


It was windy though not cold.
She was grumpy but not mad.
She hung out the washing but it was not wet.
She put on the kettle but there was no plug.
She sighed but was not depressed.
She sat but was not tired.
It was getting dark but it was still day.

Her body ached but she was not old.
She wondered how her life had come to this 
     but was not surprised.
She had fought for liberation in her youth 
      but was not a feminist.
She had wanted to belong ... but felt rejected.

She said she would never marry but she did.
She said she would never capitulate to a man 
    but she begged him to love her.
She said she would sooner die than have children…     yet she had four.
She had surrounded herself with family 
    yet felt alone.

She said she was a child of God 
    but did not ascribe to any religion.
She felt like she was on trial 
    but had committed no crime.
She had had enough of it all 
     but couldn't give up.
She began crying though was not overwhelmed with sorrow.

She let the tears fall 
     though could have prevented them.
She didn't know what to do 
     but was determined.
She stood up, though her legs ached.
And got on with her day.

She was a set of contradictions.

Like You and I.

     One of the oldest poems from Caged Without Walls, Flip-Flop was written in late 2009. It is simple yet I assume hits home as people still comment to me about it. It first appeared publicly on my site in March 2010. Unlike many of the poems in the book, it is not based on personal experience or a true story. When I wrote it, I imagined a woman in an dilapidated mediaeval building, not too unlike the photo above, despite some modernist aspects.

I hope you liked it.

Coming in August,

       a new video series, 7 Pillars of Love, comprising 7 short videos over the course of the month... for those with optimism grasped tightly in hand, despite the odds...  
    As they say... Hope Springs Eternal...


  1. This one of my favorite of your peoms. People i know who have purchased CWW have also commented to me how much they like it too - they and I find it so easy to relate to. It is so full of truth which is testament to your talet and ability to truly understand the human condition.

  2. Enjoyed it when I read it in your book a week or so ago. Especially enjoyed re-reading it today, as I could really identify with the following:

    She felt like she was on trial
    but had committed no crime.
    She had had enough of it all
    but couldn't give up.

    A great poem when you're feeling fed-up with the world.

  3. Yes, one of my favorites too. I especially like the pace and rhythm. The story speaks to everyone. Bravo, Anthony.


  4. Anthony, you have the ability to pick up on the small moments in life that end up rolling into a big moment. This woman questions every inch of her being, seemingly in a few moments, and yet has no ability to change, her life will continue on as it's been, dull, aching, empty but "normal".

    Well done with this and all your poetry x

  5. Thank you everyone for your comments and support. The simple things often work out the best don't they?


  6. I REALLY like this one Anthony. Like the man said, you can't always get what you want, but you get what you need. We all have reasons for the decisions we make. Not always good reasons...

