9 May 2019

Home Not Home

From Sportsman of the Year - A Suburban Philosophy, 7:00 am on 9 May 2019

Photo: Jan Hellriegel

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“Songs are like pictures encased in a melodic motif so when we can’t talk, or we speak another language, we can still connect through music.” - Jan Hellriegel 2019.

HOME NOT HOME (MOTHER AND DAUGHTER)

So I went home to your home

But no one was home.

It was no home

I called out your name.

No replies came.

It was no home.

I cleaned all the walls at your home

I emptied out the cupboards and

Put the stuff in my car.

And I took it with me but can't you see

It don't belong .

And in the quiet I recall

Only beauty that you could grow at home.

And the longing gaze as you wrangled me

Tempestuous and wild and not liking frilly things

And I am sorry I never told you in time.

How did I not notice?

How did I not see?

That a daughter of yours

Was always going to end up

Running wild, untameable, contrary

But running free.

So I went home to your home.

It's the last time I know I'll probably be there.

But I'll take you with me

Jan Hellriegel onstage during her 1992 Tour.

Jan Hellriegel onstage during her 1992 Tour. Photo: Jan Hellriegel

And I still got that key

To your home.

And in the quiet I recall

How you went into bat for me.

When you went down to the school and said

"There will be no home economics for she"

Because in your eyes I could have been a butcher or a baker

A doctor or a lawyer or anything I wanted to be.

You said "You've got this girl and after all

You’re more beautiful and intelligent than me"

How did I not notice?

How did I not see?

That a daughter of yours was always going to end up

Singing her owns tunes and thanks to you

Always be running free.

You can subscribe to the podcast at Apple podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and Radio Public.

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