Speed slowly

Posted on by under poetry

I am honored to be featuring this Saturday, May 25, at Speedpoets. I still have Chosen Family poetry swimming in my veins, but I will be doing a solo piece. I’ve got a little story to tell – part truth, part lie, mostly echoes of a jazz festival. Please come along to the Hideaway in Fortitude Valley. Be there at 2 pm for a splash of Brisbane voices.

Are you my mother?

Posted on by under chosen family

I’m sorry Luke, I’ve been painting.

 

My life has been consumed with renovation madness, but in the meantime, Eleanor Jackson and I have written a heart-wrenching poetic dialogue, Chosen Family, for the Anywhere Theatre Festival. Please do come and listen. Bring a loved one and a warm blanket. Get your tickets here. Thank you to Doubting Thomas for putting his eerily good talent to work and featuring my poetic partner in crime in this teaser for Chosen Family.

 

Garden Party

Posted on by under Uncategorized

In a place that is achingly familiar,

twelve-year-olds toe the line between

sundress and mini-skirt,

serving slices of cake to avoid the kids’ table

and dip their toes into the pool,

wiping sweat from their upper lips.

I do not wish to go back

and do not wish to look forward.

These moments

Posted on by under chosen family, family, poetry

I love the nitty gritty of every day -

the strapping on of the Bjorn,

the awkward lift and tuck of one foot

and then the other into leg holes.

One hand pushing the cart,

the other gripped by tiny fingers,

the owl cooing over pak choy and ginger.

The spreading spit stain on the front flap -

this kid likes to face out.

The day her cheeks clear the top.

But Woolworths is easy.

It’s Aldi that’s worse -

the coin stuck in the cart,

bags on each shoulder,

hands full of diapers, wipes and crumpets.

The missing wallet.

The missing booty.

I’ve lived my life for these moments.