A ‘stanza’ ovation for poetry enthusiast, Mrs Lois Daviess
When Resthaven Western Community Services client, Mrs Lois Daviess (94), rediscovered her personal collection of poems from the 1980s, she couldn’t wait to share them with her social activities group.
The group, located at the site at 96 Woodville Road, Woodville SA 5011, meets on Wednesdays and is well-known for celebrating talents and building special friendships.
Coordinator, Joanne Earle, says, ‘In addition to receiving in-home services, Lois attends the social activities group, where she enjoys a two-course lunch, and knitting and playing cards with friends.’
‘After finding the poems in her home, Lois had the idea of sharing them with the group on her next visit.’
‘Of course, I said it was a fantastic idea, and she presented the poems wonderfully to her fellow clients, who greatly enjoyed and empathised with them.’
A passionate poet, Mrs Daviess says, ‘It’s always a welcome visit to the site on Wednesdays, and this time it was lovely to present and reconnect with my old poems.’
‘I first started writing poetry in 1985, after my husband passed away suddenly and unexpectedly.’
‘Following the funeral service, I attended a grief counselling session, where the grief counsellor asked us to all write down words that meant something to us in light of losing someone we loved.’
‘But a few words simply weren’t enough to capture how I felt. There and then, I started writing poetry, with words coming from the heart.’
‘It helped me to identify and express the painful feelings and experiences I was feeling at that time, and then helped me through every stage of my grief.’
‘Over time, I realised that I quite enjoyed writing poetry, and was actually quite decent at it!’
‘Soon enough, I started writing poetry to express some of the best times of my life too, such as when I became president of the Port Adelaide Bowling Club, after my mother had done the same 36 years before.’
‘I wrote a poem — My Mother, The President — and presented it to the club, which they really appreciated.’
My Mother, The President
Since joining lawn bowls it’s been my ambition, to follow one day my mother’s tradition.
When my children were young she became President, she was gentle and caring and that’s evident.
I joined the same Club and lo and behold, I met several ladies and as memories unfold.
They’d bowled with my mother and glad to hear tell, she was their skipper and treated them well.
It makes my heart glad as they sing her praise, remembering the fun they had in earlier days.
Who would have thought that 36 years later, I’d stand in the shoes of my wonderful “mater”.
I’ll do all I can in my effort to serve, giving only my best as our Club does deserve.
Friendship, duties and the chance to compete, I’ll cherish the memories when my term is complete.
‘Throughout all my years of writing poetry, there’s one thing I’ve learned: Whether you read or write poetry, it reminds us that our grief, love and stories all matter.’
Wise words indeed! Thank you for sharing your story, Mrs Daviess.
Take a look at some of Mrs Daviess’ poems in the gallery below!
Resthaven Western Community Services runs social and wellness groups for older people who live independently or with a carer in their own homes, five days a week.
The sessions include arts and crafts, exercises, games and bus trips. There are options for group activities or tailored individual programs to suit individualised needs. To find out more, phone 8345 0577.
