This is my third book of poetry!

I write poetry to connect with my feelings.

Hopelessness breeds fear.

The human spirit fights back to restore sanity.

These short poems are meant to comfort 

not frighten;

enlighten not darken;

and lift up the chin 

not lower it.

The theme is to encourage readers to lookout to

the real world. Too many are looking inwards and

getting depressed. There is beauty and wonder 

for us to feel our spirits raised up today.

There is always a double meaning 

hidden in my poems.

In this way they mirror reality.

Stay safe.

                     Gregory J. McKenzie 

                                            CONTENTS

1. SNAP
2. GREENER
3. BUCKING
4. WHO
5. SHADOW
6. NOTHING
7. OLYMPIA
8. HOPEFULNESS
9. NEIGHBOURHOOD
10. POLITICIANS

Fleeting freedoms lost,

Variant imposes cost;

Four walls imprison,

Few reasons given.

One two then four,

Possibly many more.

Masks not enough

Protection tough.

Just wait it out,

Don't go about.

Only essential travel

As some lives unravel.

Depression breeds despair;

But family friends do care. 

Expats' long lament

Help sought never sent.

Calling Australia home

Only on smartphone.

Shocked hurt stranded

Fights back not landed.

Feeling alone abandoned

Support so emptyhanded.

Some once close peers

Give not sympathy but fears.

Government loudly sounds

Like duty of care no grounds.

Hope and help come unbidden

White knights no longer hidden.