Deb Stewart - Poet

16/08/2026

12/08/2026

I had a poem published in the August issue of the Milang Community News.

12/08/2026

The most recent issue of Park Poetry, featuring Renate Homburg.

by Renate Homburg

01/08/2026

28/07/2026

The 'Sweet Things' chapbook I've been working on seems to have morphed into a verse novel with a slightly different title. Looking forward to seeing where it goes. :-)

15/07/2026

Do you have a poem about the Adelaide Park Lands? Submission details for the Adelaide Park Lands Association newsletter / blog are below:

11/07/2026

We scattered my father's ashes yesterday morning. It was a lovely day, despite being windy and cold. Here's a little poem I wrote the day before, for the occasion.

It’s too soon to write this poem, Dad
to find words that encompass your life
to express all that you were
and all that you are to us.

It’s too soon to be saying goodbye
to scatter all that is left
besides memories of you
that will never die.

But we must let you go
into the wind we hope is gentle
and the sand that is older than us all
it is time for release.

Let the rhythms of the ocean
be your cradle
and the clouds watch over you
as they pass.

We leave you with the divinity of nature
and the glory of your God.

Let sunrises bathe you in light from the East
let sunsets over the ocean remind us
of the joy and colour you brought to our lives
that you were here for too short a time
but assured us you “have had a wonderful life”.

Thank you for all that you were and all that you gave.
Now rest, Dad, in the eternity of our love
as we whisper Goodbye and hold you in our hearts.

Deb Stewart (Dad passed away in April 2026)

30/05/2026

And tonight's poem is "Sugar Hit"

Sugar Hit

I’m tired and need a sugar hit
after a night with no sleep.
It’s the day after Shrove Tuesday
I’m imagining pancakes
with lashings of cream
and blueberries
sprinkled with sugar
shaved chocolate
and maple syrup –
Overkill right?

I missed my gym session
this morning, the guilt kicks in
like a boot to a punching bag
I should be kind to myself
allow my tastebuds
the simple pleasure
of sweet, syrupy pancakes.

Instead, I reach for mini rice cakes
thinly coated with Belgian chocolate
only 17 calories per bite.
I rip the bag open
devour the lot.
I don’t add up the calories
So much for the energy in
energy out equation.

The need for sugar
tries to convince me of failure
the only deficit
is in my lack of satisfaction.
I am not winning.

(c) Deb Stewart

13/03/2026

[POEM] Okey dokey...I wrote a little "hip op" poem today LOL

My Hip Op

After many years of stiffness and pain,
Of feeling foreshortened, walking with unusual gait,
having to sit mid walk and wait for relief
I accepted the suggestion of a new hip

Now I have a catalogue of artificial bits
Bone plug, Femoral Head, and Bone Screws
All wrapped and secured in Bone Cement
To add to the old dental surgery - titanium screws in my chin

The “hip op” was a success, at least I seem to be on the mend
But there are several things I cannot do, like twist or bend, or run a race
and right now, I suck at s*x
Glad it’s day 11 and the pain is mostly a soft throb
I carry like a slumbering child I don’t want to wake

On the first night, a nurse asked if I’d expected so much pain
NO! It was almost more than I could bear. Definitely 11 out of 10
A result perhaps of bone spurs the surgeon had to chisel off
Before he could cut away the cranky old joint and do his thing

But each day, with the aid of painkillers, ice and a little wine
I’m feeling better and doing fine, learning ways to sit and move
That don’t hit too hard and ring the bell of pain
I worship the walker, pick up stick and pouches of ice gel

and my husband who keeps me sane
as I lumber though each day, on a mantra of how good it will eventually be
Not yet in the heavenly realms of full recovery
but trusting the walking stick to support me
up the slow stairs out of Hell.

Deb Stewart

19/02/2026

Southerly is excited to announce Australia's newest literary prize. As part of our ongoing revival plan, the inaugural Southerly Poetry Prize will open for entries from March 1st with a submission deadline of April 15, 2026. All Australian poets are eligible to enter.

The winner will receive a cash prize of $2000 AUD, with their winning entry published in Southerly 81.1 in October 2026.

Along with all shortlisted entries, the winner will also be published in Southerly online.

The judges for this year's inaugural prize are Paul Dawson (Southerly's poetry editor), along with esteemed poets Kate Fagan and Bronwyn Lea.

Keep an eye on the Southerly website and social media pages for further information about submission details.

https://southerlylitmag.com.au/the-southerly-poetry-prize/