Sydney

Kookuburra watch me, from palm, gum and fern, 

wandering, from opera house and harbour bridge 

to Mrs. Mcquarrie's seat, hued from rock, 

past weddings,  navy ships, 

sail boats, 

tourist ferries and cruise ships, a plenty.

St. Mary's Cathedral standing, with gov't buildings, 

the colonial story present.

50 years since the freedom ride,  commemorated at the state 

library,  Aborigine history still not taught in schools, the history teacher 

viewing the show beside me whispers,

her voice so soft I strain to hear.

Connected through shared, history, shame

cockatoo's cry over head

returning again and again, to blooms, statue, waterfront, 

majestic trees, resting places, magnolia,  jacanda blooms.

history.

His sandwich board worn  in the busy intersection

at rush hour,( behind me I hear, his life work),  

smile, you can do it, a big happy face, cars toot, slow, 

the other side go Michelle Payne, sexism no more, 

isms no more.

He smiles and waves.

gkn november 9 2015