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Len's Fair Dinkum Poetry, Sunshine Coast (2025)

18/09/2025

The Silent Generation

They are called the silent generation,
Survivors whose life was hard…
Suffering the great depression,
Then a war that left them scarred…

They instilled conformity,
Worked together to get it done…
To rebuild our great nation,
No whinging from anyone…

Without these beautiful people,
We would have had to do it tough…
Yet they seemed to always smile,
Although those times were rough…

Many have retired,
Some have passed away…
But without their acts of kindness,
We would have bu**er all today…

Then as their health declines,
A decision must be made…
As they enter into aged care,
Often frightened and afraid…

At first it seems ok,
Bus trips and three good feeds…
But this changes suddenly,
Depending on their needs…

When they lose their mobility,
That’s when they sit and wait…
As life becomes so cruel,
When you realise their fate…

Dementia slowly consumes them,
Often frightened when left alone…
Not sure of their surroundings,
From those places that they’ve known…

This daily life of struggle,
Begins early in the morning,
When a accident has happened,
With little or no warning…

Next, they lose their dignity,
As they’re hoisted in the air…
Dangling in a sling,
Without their underwear…

A very sad thing they must endure,
As they are washed and groomed each day
Still managing to tell a joke,
Whilst they dress her where she lay…

Each day seemed to be a challenge,
Groundhog Day is on repeat…
I bet they miss those days,
When they were walking on both feet…

But life is what you make it,
That’s what my mum would always say…
As still manages a smile,
Which brightens up my day…

I have constantly fought the system,
To get the best care for dear old mum…
Weeding out the bludgers,
The low lives and the scum…

Without our support and love,
It would be a sad world for them indeed…
These heroes of our past,
They are the ones in need…

Love you mum ...

Len Newey 2025

16/09/2025

How things have changed so fast !

I can remember not so long ago,
Just how my day would start…
A little less technology,
But it left us rather smart…

You would be awakened,
By the sound of a ringing bell…
From a ticking wind up clock…
With no lithium ion cell…

The watch your wore upon your wrist,
You would have to wind up every day…
It only showed the date and time,
It had nothing else to say…

Most things you did back then,
Took some effort and planning too…
No fancy gadgets to set and forget,
It was hands on for me and you…

A simple thing like breakfast,
Would be a battleground…
As you waited by the toaster,
Switching each slice of bread around…

The kettle had a whistle,
To let you know when it had boiled…
As you tried to time it right,
So, your brekky wasn’t spoiled…

You read the local paper,
While you had your toast and tea…
No internet or Facebook then,
No fake news or scams to see…

I rode my bike to work,
It was me and pedal power…
Battling the magpies and the wind,
Which took at least a good half hour…

It was strange how we kept in touch,
No mobile phones at all…
It was down at the local phone box,
That you might be lucky to make a call…

Fridays were the best,
The local pubs were where you went…
Live bands and beer was cheap,
The best money ever spent…

We were always out on weekends,
The drive in’s were our big screens…
Laying in the back of your mates ute,
Not packed in like old sardines…

As we compare it then and now,
Have we really evolved that much…
Do you think we are better off,
Or become a little out of touch…

I know we would all be bu**ered,
If someone pulled the cord…
As we move to the latest tech,
Ai now has jumped aboard…

We still need to have a say,
It’s our future but what’s the cost
We can learn from past and present,
Otherwise, our ideas will all be lost…

Technology is great I know,
But we need to slow down for just a bit…
Otherwise, we’ll be without a purpose,
We will all be in the s**t !

Len Newey 2025

16/09/2025

I love this sunburnt this country,
we rose from shackles and chains…
From legendary bushrangers,
first nations people along it’s plains…

We came from diverse horizons,
the likes of you and me…
United through trial and error,
across this great country…

But we have seen a change around us,
selling off assets from this great land…
To the overseas consumers,
to satisfy their demand…

The factories now lay idle,
the mines are shutting down…
Whilst the people without paychecks,
are forced to leave their town…

It's a sad taste of reality,
bittersweet for some…
As they join the unemployed,
with many more to come…

We hope someone will see the truth,
through the rose coloured glasses that they wear…
Otherwise, we haven’t got a hope,
we haven’t got a prayer…

Len Newey 2025

16/09/2025

The Old Timer.

As you get a bit older,
things take a bit more time…
Something you wouldn’t expect,
to a bloke who's in his prime…

Getting dressed is quite dangerous,
As you struggle with your socks…
Then the underpants Olympics,
One leg hopping in your jocks…

You manage to avoid a fall this time,
But then comes that old t shirt…
Blinded beneath the whole damn thing,
Your pride is somewhat hurt…

With that done and dusted,
You prepare yourself a feed…
This digital dilemma you face daily,
From those appliances that you need…

After you finish breakfast,
The next battle of your wits begin…
When you hop in your new car,
To take it for a spin…

Those lights and sounds are amazing,
Two big screens to watch a show…
Just a bit more button pushing,
Before I can get the thing to go…

When I finally left the driveway,
I’m on the open road…
It looks like it can drive itself,
As I flick on auto mode…

At this very moment,
My life flashed before my eyes…
As I travelled at an alarming speed,
Nearly ending in my demise…

Once the blood pressure returned to normal,
And my face wasn’t feeling flush…
I ventured to the shopping centre,
Avoiding the weekday rush…

Someone complained about my parking,
As I used the two for one…
I just nodded and walked away…
It was better than a hit and run…

A nervous time now awaits,
As I grab that grocery cart…
Last time I wrote off the end displays,
At this local supermart…

Anyway, I was in luck,
I managed to avoid a crash...
As I arrived at the self-serve checkout,
With my pockets full of cash…

I must have got all the specials,
Everything seemed so cheap…
As I left the scene in haste,
When those red lights began to beep....

Now I’m in the car again,
Back to the safety of my home...
Another day of survival,
From those places that I roam…

Len Newey 2025

16/09/2025

Tech Check

I do my very best,
To be tech savvy in my house...
From Netflix, Binge and Kayo,
Also, my computer and that mouse...

But no matter how hard I try,
I have a mental meltdown once a week...
When I get locked out of my accounts,
From those passwords that they seek...

Then begins the battle,
As I scratch my bloody head...
To remember what it was,
Or to create a new one now instead...

Those number and those letters,
Too many to recall...
As I try to watch the footy,
Before they kick the flamin ball...

I stand there shouting at the TV,
Hey Google, what's the go...
I just want to open this Kayo app,
And watch my footy show...

After a download from my memory,
Which is a lot slower now these days...
I suddenly remember my old password,
Those numbers and that phrase...

Then just like magic,
The apps open to my dismay...
To find out I'm no longer registered,
There's an account I need to pay....

I quickly scramble through my wallet,
Seeking a card to amend my bill...
Yet another hurdle I must jump,
Another form I need to fill...

My patience is wearing thin,
The blood pressure starts to rise...
It's my 3rd and last attempt,
There’s simply no more tries...

I'll be bloody bu**ered,
I've finally cracked the code...
As the app is finally opened,
When I pay the money owed...

Then which seemed an eternity,
The footy game appears...
Although a little late,
As the half time siren nears...

I guess I need to write those passwords down,
To avoid this little stunt...
After the frustration and the anger,
At least the Cowboys were in front...

Len Newey 2025

16/09/2025

The Tourist

Once you leave your postcode,
Away from the place called home...
You then become a tourist,
No matter where you roam...

You are now not a local,
But a traveller who just blew in...
Some see you as a cash cow,
A source of money that they’ll win...

It depends on where you go,
On how the deal goes down...
As some places like to barter,
Depending on the town...

That’s when you need to be vigilant,
Don’t be fooled by their sales pitch...
As there are no refunds or guarantees,
No exchanges it’s a bitch...

It doesn’t mean you won’t get a bargain,
While you’re on this shopping spree...
You just need to compare the sellers,
Usually, the best of three...

Especially in the markets,
Do the walk from back to front...
Then you’ll find you have a better chance,
Whilst on this treasure hunt...

Len Newey 2025

16/09/2025

Cash is King

When you look at our current lifestyle,
And the cashless society of today…
There’s a need to reflect on all those liberties,
All those rights we gave away…

Think for just a moment,
How the banks have grown beyond belief…
As they erode away our finances,
A sanctioned legal thief…

You haven’t got an option,
Unlike the days not long ago…
When they paid us all in cash,
You got a pocket full of dough…

The banks were just a place,
To start a Christmas club account
But generally, they were avoided,
Only depositing a small amount…

No fees or charges then,
They were out to do their best,
To lure you in with good returns,
If you had moolah to invest…

But now they take our money,
Charge you for this and that…
Legal laundering of your dosh,
In the financial laundromat…

It’s your money but it’s now theirs,
Ruthlessly stealing away your stash…
Every time you withdraw funds,
To pay a bill or grab some cash…

You’re treated like a criminal,
If you withdraw a large amount…
Complaining they need more time to pay you
With your money from your account…

You can’t hide a damn thing anymore,
They know where you’ve been and gone…
As you payWave your life and details,
With every transaction and dollars drawn…

Big brother now knows everything,
Our privacy that’s been abused…
Sanctioned by the government,
Our misfortune is approved…

Cash is always king,
If you use more, you’ll have them bluffed…
You’ll be able to dodge the radar,
You’ll have the bludgers stuffed !

Len Newey 2025

09/08/2025

We are growing at Beerwah nearly 12,000 people at the moment.
Some places are getting very busy that's for sure,
Here's a light hearted look of one of the busiest places we encounter every day.
A bit of patience goes a long way, take care.

A stone’s throw from the sunny coast,
Those Glasshouse Mountain’s at its door…
Beerwah is one place,
That most tourists will explore…

This quaint but busy suburb,
Just off Steve Irwin Way…
A cultural smorgasbord experience,
That waits for you one day….

So when you come to Beerwah,
There’s a Colosseum where the tourists meet...
It’s at the Woollie's carpark,
Just to the left of Turner Street…

Join in the local ritual,
That you will encounter at the Market place…
The locals won’t be offended,
These traditions should be embraced…

These gladiators come in their chariots,
In all shapes and different sizes…
All seeking a place to park,
Where no one apologises…

You must be handy with your horn,
Cut people off when you drive in…
Park on angle across two spots,
That’s how you’re going to win…

But every now and then,
You come across some elders of the town…
Who wait patiently to one side,
Until the testosterone all dies down…

Once you been to this arena,
And managed to make it out alive…
It will leave you a little frazzled,
As you continue on your drive…

Len Newey 2025

01/09/2024

Father’s Day is here again,
Time to relax for just a while…
Remember to enjoy yourself,
And don’t forget to smile…

The kids will try their very best,
To buy something special that’s for sure…
As they love their dear old Dad,
It’s time to settle up the score…

I know I was sometimes cranky,
When I saw the chaos and the strife…
I might have been held up for murder,
If it wasn’t for my darling wife…

All those floggings I gave out,
When you were very small…
It’s a wonder I will get anything,
Anything at all…

But the buck had to stop somewhere,
And it always stopped with me…
As I heard of all your excuses,
Not guilty was your plea…

Being the judge and jury,
At times was hard to bare…
Beneath the angelic little tears,
Was that scornful stare…

But I hope you will forgive me,
I only tried to do my best…
So, you could love the life you lead,
And be better than the rest…

I don’t care much for presents,
A simple hug is all I need…
Just to have you here all today,
Is the greatest gift indeed…

Len Newey

My Dad and Me ....

My dad is not here with me,
Today on father’s day…
It’s been several years,
Since the old bloke passed away…

I’d been a little mongrel,
When I was just a kid…
Always getting flogged,
No matter what I did ....

There had been countless beltings,
With that leather strap and thong...
When I was growing up,
I was always in the wrong...

But all the while it tought me,
How to do the things thats right...
To keep myself out of trouble,
And to avoid the need to fight...

I know his intentions were sincere,
And that was plain to see…
But his patience was wearing thin,
As he swore a lot at me ....

And every now a then,
I would make him crack a smile..
Even for a second,
It made my day worthwhile…

He told me many stories,
When we’d sit down for a chat…
He taught me quite a lot,
Although I wouldn’t tell him that…

And now I’m a dad myself,
All those lessons all I have learned...
Come in handy now with my kids,
As respect is always earned…

So Happy Father’s day,
I’ll have a toast to you old mate...
I finally heeded your advice,
Although a little late….

Cheers to you old fella !....

Len Newey

13/07/2024

Welcome to Townsville,
Crime capital of the North...
You’ll see so many wonders,
As you travel back and forth...

Just a few tips though,
That apply from dusk to dawn...
Lock up you flamin car...
Or you may find it will be gone...

So stay safe and enjoy,
This place just by the reef...
Maybe just use the bus or taxi,to save yourself some grief...

20/06/2024

D..I..Y..

I know you've done a project,
A renovation here and there...
Those simple little jobs,
Or the occasional repair...

You've seen it on tv,
Watched YouTube for some advice...
How hard could it really be,
You don't need to see it twice...

So, you go about your reno,
Completely unaware...
That sometimes it is not that easy...
To master that repair…

It started out alright,
But you’ve got to have this tool,
That compulsive trip to Bunnings,
Usually is the golden rule...

So, you find your short of screws,
A bit of this and that...
Some sandpaper and more paint,
Was it full gloss or was it flat....

Then suddenly the trolley's full,
You have bought out half the store....
But it is better to have plenty,
Save coming back for more ...

Don’t forget about your safety,
An important note to make…
As ladders and dodgy power tools,
Can be a grave mistake…

Now you’re home with all your bargains,
And you devise a master plan…
Dressed for action in your clobber
Just like every handyman…

This consists of a singlet,
Normally navy blue…
A pair of footy shorts
And those rubber thongs will do…

So, you hammer and you paint,
Like a tradie on red bull…
Madly drilling and then sawing,
To complete the task in full…

But when you sit back and admire,
The finished project you have done…
It looks a little different,
To the plan you had begun…

You could be slightly out of pocket,
And a little worse for wear…
One thing is for sure,
You now have learnt to swear…

So, have a good weekend mate,
Let your inner tradie out…
And remember if you break it,
It will be your flamin shout….

Len Newey 2024

22/05/2024

With my shift all done and dusted,
I walk wearily to my car…
In the shadow of a sunset,
Under a bright lit evening star…

I start my trusty commodore,
Then head off down the street…
Through the traffic and the potholes,
And aggressive drivers that I meet…

Firstly, those four wheel drives,
Which are on steroids now these days…
Jacked up to the hilt,
With their lightbars all a glaze…

For a moment I am blinded,
My eyes like a possum in the night…
As I try to navigate by feel,
With the temporary loss of sight…

I go bush down through the scrub,
Like a Dakar rally race…
Dodging all those guideposts,
Disappearing without a trace…

Then when my vision was restored,
I continued on my way…
A bit rattled from my ordeal,
But otherwise, okay….

Then a little way ahead,
I thought I saw the Min Min Light…
As it came right out of nowhere,
Those L E D‘S were just so bright…

Even when I hit the high beam switch,
They navigated past with ease…
My dull but faithful headlights,
Were no match compared to these…

All new cars have those headlights,
Turning the night time into day…
As you suffer partial blindness,
And have to look the other way…

So now I wear my sunnies,
In the nocturnal road I travel…
In case I come across these legends,
With their L E D lights that dazzle…

Len Newey 2024

Len's Fair Dinkum Poetry

18/09/2025

16/09/2025

16/09/2025

16/09/2025

16/09/2025

16/09/2025

16/09/2025

09/08/2025

01/09/2024

13/07/2024

20/06/2024

22/05/2024

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