My Place was originally written in 1986 and printed in a high school journal. I wrote this in Jarradale, just outside of Perth, a long way from my home in Carnarvon. Anyone who has spent any time in Carnarvon may well identify the location.
I recently came across My Place and it inspired me to re-write it.
My Place by Tami Maitre 2025
A place with changing emotions, just as mine and yours
Like the soft ripple of waves washing the shore
Or perhaps the tormented crashing of the waves on the reef.
The strong, gusty coastal winds
Or a gentle, soothing breeze.
This is my place.
Looking out over the scene
From a point high in the dunes
A peaceful feeling embraces me
Like a meditation or spiritual contemplation
My life seemingly projected right in front of me
This is my place.
The coastline dips and bends as if the path of my life.
A peaceful, joyful bay with foaming waves; the sincerity of fun and sprite.
The reef, with all its colour and danger
Brimming with life forms I’m yet to encounter
Home to the chaos and trauma of the open sea crashing with intensity.
This is my place.
I lay back and gaze into the endless blue of the sky
A feeling of warmth envelopes me
I watch a lonely cloud; it drifts wearily by
An easy companion, I share my deepest cares
And then whisper goodbye.
This is my place.
The Elephant House 