In this Q&A, Peter Tyler, aged 79, talks about his poetry. Mr Tyler is a resident at Trinder Park in Logan Central.
Q: Peter, we hear you are a poetry champion, when did your passion for poetry start?
PT: When I was a young boy, I lived in a country town. I used to go off wandering whenever I could. I loved horses and I would go off to the paddocks to pat them.
There was a big paddock in town that Fairs, and Rodeos used to use when in town. Once year there was a rodeo, so I went down to see the horses. I remember there were men sitting on logs around a fire. One asked if I like horses. I told I did so he said that I could go over to where they had the horses and tell the men there that Banjo Patterson said I could pat the horses. So, I did.
At school I soon learnt all about Banjo Patterson and his poems and could not get enough. My sister and I used to play a rhyming game that I enjoyed, and I think that also helped me with my poetry. My sister is a good poet too.
Q: Have you participated in poetry competitions? If so, do you have any notable wins or awards under your belt?
PT: Yes, when I was young at Marist Brothers Lidcombe in Sydney, I wrote a poem to enter into a competition at school. I read it to my friend Ronnie Williams. He like it so much he wanted me to write one for him. His won the competition and mine came second. I have won four Queensland Championship trophies.
Q: Were you part of group or club with your poetry?
PT: Yes, when I was 50, I joined the Beaudesert Bush Bards.
Q: Is anyone in your family following in your footsteps?
A: My sister Professor Colleen Cartwright is a very good poet. My son recited my favourite poem at my 50th birthday party – I was very proud.
Q: What is your favorite poem?
A: Rudyard Kipling’s poem IF.
Q: Have you always written your own poetry?
A: Yes, I’ve written 100s. I also like reciting others that I like.
Q: Is there a particular topic you return to?
A: Yes – the bush. Bush poetry is my passion.
Q: Who is your biggest influence for writing your poetry?
A: Banjo Patterson. Occasionally people comment that there is a similarity.
Q: How do you remember your poems?
A: To enter any Qld Championship, you must recite from memory. Really, it is just repetition.
Q: What did you do for a living? Did this feed your creativity?
A: I have had a host of different jobs throughout my career. I have been a store manager for UEB in New Zealand, a lifeguard, a policeman, a taxi driver, fleet manager, superintendent, training officer and employment officer. Most memorably, while in New Zealand I was a guide and took people on trail rides through mountains. I love horses.
