Surprised a shy bird

Surprised a shy bird
Australian Canary
shat itself then left

He showed us his heart

He showed us his heart
it’s sad it’s remarkable
he touched our own hearts

Under canopies

Under canopies
standing among the branches
at home in the trees

When light is distant

When light is distant
a sliver of reflection
can cut through shadows

Pre-polling threatens

Pre-polling threatens
democracy sausages
vote on polling day

From the mountain range

From the mountain range
Murrumbidgee River flows
through me to the sea

Among the debris

Among the debris
floating on the passing stream
reflections of clouds

Unflinching and still

Unflinching and still
at once present and distant
I wish for calmness

Average white male

Average white male
normalising difference
making space for change

Artworks by Sarah McEwan
Photo by Jo Roberts

One thing I’ve noticed

One thing I’ve noticed
since drinking coffee again
strong opinions flow

Ripples on water

Ripples on water
reflecting the light of dawn
the breaking of day

Rainy sunsets glow

Rainy sunsets glow
purple hues in the heavens
a rare sight this year

It now seems likely

It now seems likely
planting wattles in our yard
increased wattle birds

Wasp attacks spider

Wasp attacks spider
menacing procreation
confronting nature

Show me where it hurts

Show me where it hurts
tell me how I can help you
let me kiss your wounds

I stepped out the door

I stepped out the door
a garden hose on the steps
no — it is a snake

In late morning sun

In late morning sun
among the pigface flowers
a bearded dragon

Crown-wearing red fruit

Crown-wearing red fruit
claims ground in a southern land
thirsty for water

Quiet little town

Quiet little town
never appeared on a map
known as Gunnadoo

Clear skies and cold wind

Clear skies and cold wind
fragrant smoke of cypress pine
winter has returned