Heath SCHOFIELD, 2015
Poem: Not my choice

Artist’s Context – Poem: Not my choice
This poem is a response to conversations held with my father about the Vietnam War, and is my exploration of the stories he told about soldiers he knew that didn’t make it home.

I tried to call you,
just to let you know.
We’re off again.

At sunset,
kicking up dust,
rotor blades,
thumping overhead.

We hit the ground hot:
… Bullets (snapping)
… Dust (choking)
… Battle (roaring, deafening)
… Casualties (inevitable)

I honestly tried to call you
I wanted to talk
… just to hear
… your voice.

Smell of cordite.
Burning, in my gut.
Can’t get up.
Rifle, med kit.
So damned heavy.

I really wanted to talk to you
before we set off.
I wanted to tell you,
… I love you.
Now you’ll never find out.

Lying in dirt,
losing strength,
so much blood,
not my choice.
I’m sorry.

Shallow breath,
… Cold,
… Darkness.
… Please know,
I will always be your soldier.

Heath SCHOFIELD, 2015
Poem: Edge of the World

Artist’s Context – Poem: Edge of the World
I wrote this poem to try and explain in written words the battle I have had with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression. It was recited in a professional performance at the 2018 Canberra International Music Festival.

Here, on the edge of the world.
I can’t seem to let go.
Loves lost, friends found,
Then gone –
…. Pulled away,
…….. Turning away,
………… Walking away.

Standing, alone
overlooking the sea on a dusty cliff.
Silent, desolate,
Sparse, cold.
Waiting to fall
Yet
always standing
… Firm.

Here is my life:
Dreams and desires,
Reminiscences.
Knowing the silence of wanting.
Something
always there,
… hiding,
… lurking,
at the boundary of consciousness.

From my vantage point
on my dusty cliff,
overlooking the sea.
I shall
…. continue
…….. to search.

Here, on the edge of the world.

Heath SCHOFIELD, 2019
Project: Wands

Having a love for woodwork, as well as a geeky and artistic flair, I’ve made some wands for my mate’s kids. Coupled with a ‘wand scroll’ and proper wand box and using the wand lore from J.K. Rowling’s ‘Wizarding World’, I have created a few pieces worthy of the modern witch or wizard.

Heath SCHOFIELD, 2020
Project: Camping Box

This Camping Box is one of four I’m building with my 8 year old son as a team project during the isolation of COVID-19. Utilising recycled materials where possible, the project focuses us on what is important in life — in this case the fun we will experience as a family when we are allowed to head out camping again.