Just A Student. Poem by Michael Walker
Just A Student.
I was the only boarder in an old villa
out at Island Bay, near the beach
where I took long walks on The Esplanade.
The house was near the bus stop on The Parade.
I would take the bus into Lambton Quay each day
then the cable car - thinking of San Francisco-
up to The Terrace, to the university of diversity.
I was only passing through in Wellington,
a city dominated by brooding hills and the moody sea,
demarcation lines on the capital's dreams.
Of course the city was ruffled by strong southerlies
and heavy rain now and then, but I coped with that.
I took little interest in parliament then,
but I knew New Zealand's political history well
and once I saw Walter Nash pass by, smiling,
in Molesworth Street, his time nearly up.
I recall the impressive view across the harbour
to the Rimutaka Ranges, landmarks in the east.
I observed the city's canyon streets day by day,
but studying Schiller's philosophy was not everyday.
-18 May,2019.
Walter Nash (1882-1968) was Labour Prime Minister of New Zealand
1957-1960. He smiled often and wore three-piece suits, usually gray. Mr. Nash managed the economy like an exact accountant, down to the last pound. He was born in Kidderminster, England, and emigrated to New Zealand as a young man.
He promoted full employment for all New Zealanders and was a much better Prime Minister than his so-called 'Black Budget' suggested.
I liked studying the poetry and philosophy of the German Friedrich Schiller (1759-1805) . He wrote about the relation morals and aesthetics (beauty) , as Kant had done before him. His ideas of the ideal man- the balance between physical skills and studiousness- remain with me. The German Professor was from that country, a native speaker and what a lecturer he was.
Nice portrayal of the city life when you had been a part of long back. I fully appreciate your observation 'This poem is a record of my memories of Wellington nearly fifty years later'. Thanks also for the Poet's Notes which give us valuable inputs about some people and places.
You have noticed the main points about the poem. It is a long time ago now. I was implying at the end that studying the right author is more important than seeing sights, listing attractions, 'must sees'.
Beautifuly done. Thanks for sharing such brilliant piece and scene.
I went to Wellngton, three years ago. Took the cable car. Your poem reminds me of this capital city.
This is a great pleasure to revisit your beautiful poem and read it thoroughly with much eagerness which you have penned from your past experience. An excellent sharing is done really.
The poem is a precious piece which also records a part of y0ur student life.A wonderful poem, thanks for sharing.
Such a nice poetry, Michael Walker. You may like to read my poem, Love And Iust. Thank you.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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5/5/2024 1:18:08 AM # 1.0.0.1119
At Island Bay, near the beach you were only the boarder. Long walks on The Esplanade near the house of Bus-Stop were memorable. Every walk was very memorable and special. Passing through in Wellington you had noticed the university of diversity. This poem is excellently penned basing upon your past memories of studenthood. Thank you very much for sharing this excellent poem...10
I did indeed like going for long walks on The Esplanade near the sea, and I still take long walks in the city I live in. I said' I was just passing through', as I had only one year-1965-there. You make another fine assessment.