Shirley Scully's Australian Poetry This book of Shirley Scully's poems is a keepsake both for Shirley herself, and for her family and friends - and all Australians. This is the first time her poetry has appeared in book form. Shirley has never sought fame for herself, but her family believes she deserves recognition of her talents and sought publication for her. The collection can be seen as a series of footprints in the life of a woman who has had a full and eventful journey and has always looked life full in the face. Talk about life in Australia in any of its aspects, and you'll see Shirley sitting quietly and nodding and smiling. Ah yes, she's been there, done that, and absorbed the experience of it. Shirley is normally the gentle lady who enjoys her life reading, sewing, gardening, watching TV "when there's something bloody good on," cooking like a master chef and enjoying time with her family. She puts her heart into everything she does, and consequently, does everything well. And did we mention Shirley's love of family, of friends, and of this vast and amazing country, Australia? In her view, the rest of the world with its problems staggers a long way back, behind Australia. But here is the poet side of her being recognized at last. Poetry has been a passion since she was a girl. This collection, which is by no means her full collection, stretches from World War II to the new millennium. Though she is normally quiet and reserved, Shirley does love to recite her poetry from time to time. Entering her poems in magazine contests over the years has been rewarded by praise from many quarters. You will find that the poems once read will open up a world of emotions that will bubble to the surface as if you were there. You might find yourself thinking: "The same thing happened to me" or "Isn't that the truth". This book opens with an award-winning poem and ends with one. In between stretches a kaleidoscope of life and living, Shirley style. Everything has a Shirley style. Even poetry. It isn't poetry, says Shirley, if it doesn't rhyme. The road for Shirley Scully has not always been easy or overrun with happiness. There has been hardship and tragedy, and plenty of it. But this lady has grabbed happiness and serenity wherever she could find it and she has always been willing to tough out the tough times. And she recorded whatever life threw at her, and how she felt about it. Her family and friends might well sit back quietly in the evening and open this book and bask in the warmth of her love of life and the love for her family. This is a chance to catch a glimpse of the thoughts, feelings and experiences Shirley lived through and recorded. This is her grand legacy for her family. A part of herself offered in humility and love. This is a sharing of the essence of those precious moments in a life well lived by a woman well loved. And through these words, Shirley will endure. Sometimes, in this modern world, we don't always treat our elders with the respect they deserve, but Shirley's family wants to change all that. With this publication comes the reality that what she thinks matters; what she says matters. Shirley herself matters. And what can be read between the lines can be even more important, because here we can find sensitivity and resourcefulness and determination and all the things that make a mother loved. These are lessons softly given, yet to be learnt anew with every reading of this book. For responsive hearts, there is inspiration here, hidden away in quiet messages from the past. This is a keepsake collection that will be read by younger generations and generations yet to come. It will shine a light on the family that only Shirley can shine. Shirley is a living treasure and, through this collection, we can all can live through precious moments that would otherwise be lost.