Some of you may not know the poetry of the great Australian poet and cartoonist, Michael Leunig. I am a great fan and am taking this week to send you some links so that you can enjoy him too. Michael Leunig’s website has a number of poems including one which I particularly love, called When the Heart. It starts as below and is the second poem on his poetry page.
‘When the heart
Is cut or cracked or broken,
Do not clutch it;
Let the wound lie open.
Let the wind
From the good old sea…’
Read the rest of this poem on the poems section of Michael Leunig’s website here.
I recommend that you also visit the animated cartoons of Leunig on you tube. They’re just marvellous. I don’t know which is my favourite but do please search for
‘Get a Life’ – Michael Leunig – you tube or try clicking here
It’s so poignant but also hilarious. It never fails to tickle my heart strings. Wonderful Aussie humour. You will find other Leuniganimations there too. Thank you Michael for the gifts you have given us all.!
To quote Wikipedia, ‘Michael Leunig (born 2 June 1945), typically referred to as Leunig, is an Australian poet, cartoonist and cultural commentator. His best known works include The Adventures of Vasco Pyjama and the Curly Flats series. He was declared an Australian Living Treasure by the National Trust of Australia in 1999.’
Have a great week. You can return to Tuesday Poem here.
NB Recent update, April 21st 2014.
An additional treat for you. Michael was interviewed on Radio NZ National, a few days back and you can listen to it on their website here.
And if you would like to view a live interview with Michael here is a goodie.
gurglewords 