Chae Paterson
The Woman Who Runs with Mongrels and Poodles ‘Yes! love dogs: a cement in life’s mix’
Dad repeating on loving days; ‘the dog charmer’ little did he know the dog charmed me taught; how to get on – belong exist amongst crowding indifference a narrative of ingenuous outsider; the reality - the youngest of six the eldest of many grandchildren, cousins, neighbours and such communities good and bad; the ghetto think-tank the hard lesson quash a dragon-like defiance in the making of a pack-love paved paths drawn on; signage vanishes after heavy flooding rain an empty street again and again similar to artful graffiti chalk washing away, though not the cement in the mix the infinite ways canines heal hurts simply finds togetherness instinctually heals what can be humanly fixed
Chae has over her life been involved in many Community works; paid and unpaid. Performed as singer/songwriter and member of troupes and bands. Raised two children partnered and as a sole-parent. As a mature-age student; in her thirties, completed BA hons. Postgrad studies were not completed, although very much the conceptual material – has been the figurative backbone of her writing. Mental health; illness and limiting circumstances, at the time made it impossible for her to complete in conventional ways. A participant in many writer groups; chapbooks, recent publication, collection with partner; “Lines in the Sand – Etchings on Time. Willing participant in e-journals, Poetry sites on social media and community radio. Tutoring young students in VCE, collective community development and working in a mental health cooperative are some of her most valued experiences.
Old Water Rat Publishing 