September 13th, 2026Local Lines

Local Lines features poetry by locals about local and any other matters.

The boxer and the wrestler

I taught a boxer English
No bruiser, he was deft
In year nine at high school
he enjoyed respect

A wrestler in the same class
fell to wrangling words
For his trouble he got
lumped in with the nerds

The boxer had a girlfriend
knew how to manage him
The wrestler had tattoos
and an easy grin

The boxer taught me something
Up against a wall
how to roll my hip
into a tennis ball

The wrestler hardly taught me
anything at all
till one day on the oval
he showed me how to fall

Neither boy was hostile
They just cared to win
and each knew that the other
worked a discipline

– Bill Wootton

Bill did in fact teach a boxer and a wrestler many moons ago but he hasn’t a pugilistic bone in his body.

Local Lines features poetry by locals about local and any other matters.
Please submit poems to Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com

Just sayin’…

13-09-2026

I loved reading about David Hall's epic journey across Asia and Europe - and the release of his book about his escapades. Head back to page 13 for a really great read.

Pick me, pick me

13-09-2026

Hi there, I am Pixie. I am only six months old and a little shy when meeting new people, but with a little patience and kindness, my real personality quickly shines.

Local Lines

13-09-2026

Local Lines features poetry by locals about local and any other matters.

Kyle’s Rant

13-09-2026

The wettest 'dry' winter we've ever had or how Victoria's Google search history, and Clarkes Hill's rain gauge, both called out the Bureau's 'super El Niño' this winter.

September 13th, 2026Local Lines

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