September 15th, 2025
Australia Poetry Contest #2 – First Place
by Cheryl Vaughan
Visiting an old woman
and her little dog,
I saw a frame on her wall –
Presented to Iris
for twenty years of service
Odd how it caught my attention
floating
on the edge of vision
was it a premonition?
What prompted her
to share her life
with the Commissioner
for Railways
or his proxy?
unlikely that she poured his tea
Still, it hovers there
like a faded wanted poster
that still has power
to fascinate
Signed for and on behalf of
she rises like a dove
beyond all reach of arbitrary men
It is enough
About the Poet
Cheryl Vaughan resides in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.
Read the poet's biography and Wax Poetry and Art publications
on Cheryl Vaughan's Artist Page.
This poem is also featured in Wax Poetry and Art Magazine #8,
published in the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
Previously published in Australia Poetry Magazine:
Hiding Me
by Yasmin A.
Australia Poetry Magazine is part of the Wax Poetry and Art Network.
- Visit the main Wax Poetry and Art Submissions Page to see all opportunities.
- Visit the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
- This website and all contents ©Kirk Ramdath and specified artists.
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