My Little Haven by the Swan River
My office is nothing grand, just a quiet room in our home in Perth, with a window where I can see a sparkling glimpse of the Swan River. On most days, that view is my silent co-writer.
In the morning, the river is a sheet of silver, reflecting the soft Western Australian light. Black swans glide past, elegant and unhurried, while pelicans perch on the wooden posts like patient listeners. I sit at my desk with a cup of freshly brewed tea, notebook open, and let the calm waters steady my thoughts. Lyrics often flow gently here. A phrase about longing inspired by the slow current, or a line about hope carried on the breeze that drifts through the open window.
When the words need space to breathe, I carefully close this notebook and walk down to the peaceful river boulevard. The trail along the South Perth foreshore is my happy thinking place. I follow the curve of the water, past families picnicking on the grass, past cyclists or dogs chasing balls. With each step, the city skyline across the river travels with me and the ideas grow clearer. Sometimes I even choose an area and sit a while in the nearby Scented Garden when I yearn peace and search for inspiration.
Sometimes I reminisce and watch the ferries cross, or the rowers slice through the water in perfect rhythm. I softly hum a melody to myself, testing how a line feels when sung aloud. The river never interrupts, it just listens, reflecting the sky, giving me back a sense of tranquility.
This stretch of the Swan River has become part of my creative rhythm. It’s where English and German words mingle in my mind, where Schlager or country meets a quiet ballad reflection. It reminds me every day how lucky I am to live in this beautiful corner of the world, writing song lyrics that hopefully, will one day travel far beyond these gentle banks.
If you ever find yourself in Perth, take a walk along the Swan River. You might just feel a little inspiration drifting on the water too. ♡
With love and lyrics,
Evelin Vordermeier
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