Page 545 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 23 March 2022
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The Lunatic Fringe are thus named because they do not take themselves too seriously. As MC on the night and proud Canberran Jill Waterhouse describes the group: anyone is welcome in any capacity; poems and songs are composed at kitchen tables or in the shower; contributors can be as anonymous as they wish; the only central organisation is an email contact who receives the contributions; anyone is welcome to take charge; the theme is decided over a casual lunch at one of the clubs and by email; and then they look for a pianist and someone to type out a program.
Given the time of year, Canberra: We Live Here was an appropriate theme for a group that has nothing but praise for this city and territory. They composed original poems and songs to demonstrate their enthusiasm and to contribute to the commemoration of Canberra Day. I thoroughly enjoyed the performances, the creativity, the connection and the camaraderie and am looking forward to the next performance.
In the time I have left, I want to share some of what had been composed. I will see how many I get through. The first is titled This Is Canberra, by Kay Grzadka. It is set to the tune of The Last Farewell. I will spare the chamber my singing, but I think it reads quite beautifully as a poem:
There’s a city laid out by the Molonglo River where Scrivener Dam has made the waters swell
Formed a lake and in it there’s an island, and from there drifts the sound of carillon bells
The city’s called a place of many meetings, on land of Ngambri and of Ngunnawal
For this is Canberra, and I have loved her dearly, more dearly than the spoken word can tell (repeat)
There’s a grand and lofty tower on Black Mountain, a true landmark wherever here we dwell
When I see it as I drive down Federal Highway, I know I’m safely home and all is well
By Mount Ainslie there’s a war memorial, of bravery and sacrifice it tells
For this is Canberra …
The colours of the florid in Spring time and Summer has her floral blooms as well
The beauty of the changing leaves in Autumn, ‘til glistening frosts forecast a wintry spell
The wondrous hues upon the western skyline as the sun sets below the Brindabellas
For this is Canberra, and I have loved her dearly, more dearly than the spoken word can tell.
And this is by Jill Waterhouse. It is titled In Praise of Canberra: A New Job:
Woke up this morning feeling fine
I’d got a text with just one line
Last night I got a new job, as I hoped that I would
Something tells me I’m into something good.
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