John has been writing poetry since his school days. He was awarded "Poet of the Year 2014" Hubby Awards and has had two poems become songs.

Ode to Protea Park

Sitting in the garden,

Ladies spinning yarn,

Relaxing in the quiet surrounds

Of Protea Park farm.

Geraniums and roses

Adorn the lovely scene.

Ferns, cacti, and grevillea,

Surroundings so serene.

Canaries sing a lovely tune,

Budgies chatter too,

Goats and alpaca in the field,

Camels, horses too.

I sit back shaded from the sun

Upon a garden seat.

The atmosphere is so relaxed,

It really can't be beat.

Ornaments and statues

Are scattered here and there

Throughout this lovely garden.

Its beauty is quite rare.

With pen in hand, and notebook

I write this winsome verse.

My muse ordered a change of scene

To beat the writer's curse.

I'd lost my creative writing urge,

Dried ink adorned my quill,

But a day spent in this garden

Proved I have it still.

I close my eyes and let my thoughts

Wander here and there.

My inspiration soon returns,

And so this poem I share.

© 2017 John Hansen

Comments

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on August 12, 2017:

Thank you, Chitrangada. I am glad you found this poem to be peaceful.

Ann, yes I will read your latest hub when I have a chance. Thanks.

Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on August 11, 2017:

So refreshing and peaceful poem! Thanks for the virtual stroll amidst beautiful Nature--always an inspiration.

Beautiful expressions ! Thanks for sharing!

Ann Carr from SW England on August 11, 2017:

If you want a book to inspire watch out for my next hub!

Ann

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on August 11, 2017:

You are do right Ann, nature always seems a good catalyst for waking one's muse, as do the various other things you mention. I have been inspired by things like looking inside the cover of a novel and browsing the "more by this author" page. So glad you found this relaxing. I am glad to see you writing again. I have to catch up with my reading as well.

Ann Carr from SW England on August 11, 2017:

Nothing like serene nature to awaken the muse, John! Seems we've all experienced a bit of that lately. I go to photos and books or to a bracing walk by the sea; works every time. Just staying in my garden works well too!

This poem is so relaxing; now I need a little nap. Then I'll start writing.

Lovely!

Ann :)

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on August 09, 2017:

Genna, thank you for such a beautiful comment. I think you are right about God trying to please us with what he offers us in the beauty of nature all around us. I appreciate your kind words.

Genna East from Massachusetts, USA on August 09, 2017:

I love how this comes from the heart and the muse...they combine with nature in a way that truly speaks of God's gifts to us all. I remember that famous line in "The Color Purple..." "I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it. People think pleasing God is all God cares about. But any fool living in the world can see it always trying to please us back.” Your beautiful poem speaks to this so perfectly. You are blessed, John, And we are blessed with the knowing, the chance to read and share your gift.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on August 08, 2017:

Thanks for visiting, Glenis. I am going back Friday for more inspiration and to photograph the animals etc. Hopefully, it will inspire another hub.

Glen Rix from UK on August 07, 2017:

A change of scene is a great way to find inspiration. Thanks for this versified description of a garden and park quite alien to my experience. It's left me wanting to know more about the wildlife.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on August 06, 2017:

Thank you, Mike. My writing is still not as prolific as I would like but at least I have broken the drought. Once I put pen to paper words form so that is something :) thanks for reading and your kind comment.

mckbirdbks from Emerald Wells, Just off the crossroads,Texas on August 06, 2017:

Hello John - Glad you found inspiration. That can become a very scarce commodity at times. Your muse returned in fine style.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on August 05, 2017:

Hi Helen, great to see you. It's been awhile. Glad this brought a smile.

Helen Kramer from Santa Barbara, CA. on August 05, 2017:

Hi John...

Thanks for the smile...

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on July 31, 2017:

Yes, it is very inspirational, Flourish. I am going there again next Friday, so hopefully, I get to write some more. Thanks for reading.

FlourishAnyway from USA on July 31, 2017:

Sounds like you have an inspirational place to write! I'd love to visit a place like that.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on July 31, 2017:

Yes, Marie. It worked for me. There could very well be some wee folk scattered among the gardens. I have written countless children's books for other people but still haven't published one myself.

Marie Flint from Jacksonville, FL USA on July 31, 2017:

This is a great way to break writer's block. Protea Park looks quite natural. I'll bet there are plenty of the wee folk there to inspire you to write your next children's story!

Thanks for sharing.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on July 31, 2017:

Yes, Audrey, nature does it every time. Glad you enjoyed this poem and the photos.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on July 31, 2017:

Shyron, a change of scenery usually inspires my muse to spring back into action. Thank you for the kind poetic comment.

Audrey Hunt from Idyllwild Ca. on July 30, 2017:

There's nothing like nature to connect us to our muse. Wonderful poem John. Love the beautiful photos.

Shyron E Shenko from Texas on July 30, 2017:

Magnificent John, I love it and

I am glad you muse returned to that tranquil place

To help you write such a beautiful piece

And fill our hearts with Grace

*

*

Blessings and Peace

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on July 30, 2017:

Thank you MsDora. Yes, she did.

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on July 30, 2017:

Your poem describes a refreshing, relaxing atmosphere for which may writers long. Your Muse surely picked an inspiring spot.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on July 30, 2017:

Glad you enjoyed this, Marion. It really is beautiful. Thanks.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on July 30, 2017:

Than you Liam, it is a lovel place to spend a day.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on July 30, 2017:

Yes,,it is a delightful place, Ryan. I always feel at peace when I visit there and inspiration seems to flow easily.

Marion Drury from Sydney, Australia on July 30, 2017:

Great poem. Sounds like a beautiful place.

Thanks again.

Fin from Barstow on July 30, 2017:

well i forgot to log in.

sounds like a place i would like to be....nice and peaceful

Liam on July 30, 2017:

Sounds like a place I would like to be...

Ryan from Louisiana, USA on July 30, 2017:

Sounds like a wonderful place to relax and maybe get some writing completed. Nice and beautiful images you describe with your words in this poem. Sounds like my kind of place to relax on a Sunday.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on July 30, 2017:

You are right Clive. Yeah, it is a very peaceful setting and I am sure you would be creatively inspired there.

Clive Williams from Jamaica on July 30, 2017:

When the mind is at peace, the creative spirit is pleased. Nice poem, maybe when I have writers block I can be teleported there somehow.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on July 30, 2017:

Thanks, Mark. Protea Park is an inspirational place owned by a friend. My photos only capture a small part and don't do it justice.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on July 30, 2017:

Bill, don't think one's muse ever leaves either but just waits for new settings and inspiration. It is up to the individual writer to find that by either delving into their past memories or visiting a new location. Thanks for reading.

Mark Tulin from Ventura, California on July 30, 2017:

I wouldn't mind going to that park. Sounded like a great place to write poetry.

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on July 30, 2017:

I don't believe the muse ever leaves a writer. She just waits for inspiration, and sometimes it is the writer who must provide it. Well done, my friend.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on July 30, 2017:

Yes, Tim, all plants seem to have a mystical nature to them They can change your whole temperament when you are among them, and always inspire me. Thank you for the kind comment.

Tim Mitchell from Escondido, CA on July 30, 2017:

A wonderful poem to wake to this morning. Gardens, flowers, and the greenery of plants are mystical to me. They are alive with creativity shared when experiencing them.

John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on July 29, 2017:

I think you may be right, Eric. I never knew a plant to be full of hate. I can get enough of flowers, plants and nature. Thanks for the peaceful comment.

Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on July 29, 2017:

In the great words of Shakira -- Waka Waka. Peace and beauty is so cool. Do you think maybe plants have a spirit of peace and love? In gardens I feel so loving and peaceful. Your words bring it all home. I am for this moment in love with nature, muchas gracias senor.