For my 50th birthday I wanted a university degree in creative writing, something I’d done all my life but never formally acknowledged. A new course was launched at Edith Cowan University which seemed tailor-made for me.
When I applied I didn’t really expect to be accepted because I had left school early in the mid-sixties and sat an entrance exam which I was sure I’d fluffed by going off at a tangent (as usual).
But no, to my continued amazement I was accepted and made my trepidatious way to class surrounded by clever youngsters, fully expecting to be left far behind.
The Return of Rainbows
Driving down Alexander,
(early morning rush hour)
lecture on documentary film.
Eager for knowledge, I noted
low, broad bands of color
spanning the sky above Uni.
Ignoring the grey clouds,
I welcomed the return
of rainbows to my life
Frances Macaulay Forde © 1999
Friend Leonie and I at Graduation.
I got through, only with the uncompromising support and encouragement of Honorary Professor of English at Edith Cowan University and Director of the University’s International Centre for Landscape and Language, Glen Phillips.
His poetry has always connected with me and I buy as many of his books as my budget will allow, unfortunately I won’t be at the up-coming launch of this next (three ) books because I will be working elsewhere.
In my last posting I referred to my Jacaranda carpet in my poem ‘Renovations’ directly inspired by a poem from one of Glen’s early books:
“Lovesongs/Lovescenes” by Glen Phillips
When my first book of poems ‘Hidden Capacity ~ a poet’s journey’ was published in Ireland, it proudly contained a Preface by Hon. Prof. Phillips: ” A brief word by way of a preface to a unique book. “ and concluded with “Sharing this book could change your days and I wish every reader a happy and rewarding time with it while congratulating Frances very warmly for the achievement.”
See what I mean?
