Jim has been a staunch supporter of NWG Inc from the group's foundation in 2002. Usually found at Merrylands gatherings, Jim is also well known to many gatherers at Parramatta. Jim publishes and performs his work in a variety of places! Examples of his collaboration in NWG Inc are HomeWord festivals, our Anthologies, The Road Home project and Riverbeats.
Here's a quote from his Artfiles IN FOCUS profile:
Jim Spain has dedicated himself to the craft of Bush Verse, specializing in modern rhymes for current times. The Lansvale poet has been writing since 1979, sparked by an inner need, and spurred on by a community course.
Jim loves travelling, finding inspiration along the road for his verse. He is deeply passionate about Australia and all her idiosyncrasies and frequently draws on this sentiment in his work.
More on Jim can be found at jamesjottings.blogspot.com and www.authorsden.com/rimeriter also
http://www.abpa.org.au/rimeriter and http://www.sydneypoetry.com/profile/JimSpain
He also shares a page with Jacqui Douglas at www.nwg-inc.com/ezine/Antho07page1.html.
The poem below was aired on Rural Radio, Broken Hill (a good example of the right poem published in the right place...).
Prancin' in Packsaddle by Jim Spain
The horses they was prancin'
and kickin' up the dust,
riders they was hangin' on
as riders always must.
The red dust it was risin'
risin' way up high,
way over the horizon,
disappearin' in the sky
Spectators all were clustered
behind them timbered poles
waiting for – can race capers
led by all those willing souls
Small riders lead their Shetlands
while stretching for a can
but ponies do think differently, they have
another plan.
There's also keyhole turning,
twisting 'round each end
teaching every pony to stretch out fast,
then bend.
But best of all is barrels, Utah tipped to win,
a very early stumble meant that winning
would be thin.
Stacey Jones on Milky Kay is goin' very strong
until into the distance –
Hey! The course is not that long.
Recently I have had my Aussie poem - Tibooburra, when it's HOT accepted for publication in the UK.
This confirms an international standing as it follows numerous pieces being published in Metverse Muse out of India, which is circulated worldwide.