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on Terra Australis Incognita
against goldleaf dawnoutline of eucalyptusfar from cleansing fireoh eucalyptus treehard, tall, standing proudsubtle mnemoniccriminals in boatsunwanted, unloved, orphansEngland’s castawaysLutruwita bleachedAboriginal nationsmurdered, chained, leashed, fencedyour tree transporteddecorates English gardenstear-soaked canopy ~n.b. The profile of the eucalyptus tree crown (seen here in England), is distinctive, its roots unforgettable. CLP 09/02/2026 →
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on memory
you can’t hold everything in your headbit by bit it fadesleaving flint-like fragmentssharp, shiny, hardwhich are sparked by placessongs, photographs, othersa cricket ground by a churcha roadsignthe name of a villagea street namea pub now turned to flatsa make of cara turn of phrasea nicknamea make of cheesea punk band formed by a pair of →
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on time
we’re saying good-bye todaya friend made through cricketknown for how he bowledbent back, arm whipped roundlike a butterfly swimming strokethick mop of black hairswinging across his faceduring the unusual nature of his deliveryoff the wrong foot, it’s saidface looking down at the pitchas the ball left his handfrom his flurry of arms and legsall too →
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Ghosts (ii)
Sometimes they come at nightNot always singly, but in pairsAt ease, with smilesTalking about mundane thingsWithout axes to grindHere’s the first, then his motherCircling like sharksAt ease, with their smiles~ CLP 04/08/2025 →
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on Ukraine
sculpt, paint, write, sing, danceart distinguishes peoplewar extinguishes~n.b. Now, more than ever, artists are needed to keep the soul alive.There was an exhibition of art from Ukraine at the Royal Academy of Art in 2024.Contemporary art from Ukraine can be bought from Art for Ukraine, a charity connecting buyers directly to artists working in Ukraine. →
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on ignorance
What is going on?curiosity demandssome satisfactionin face of mistrustwe search for explanationwhere sunshine is absentisolated homesfamilies divided by techpreclude discussionwe’re left to join dotsif A is C and B Zwe write our own truths~ CLP 19/06/2025 →
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Ghosts
It takes years for them to take formFrom memories confused with memoriesA head-scarf, the style of hairA coat, a manner of talkingA snatch of laughterThe balance when walkingThrough the market stallsOn the air, a scentA melodyWhen night takes hold its betterWhere they inhabit is not so clearIn shadows casts by street lightIn restaurant cornersAnd closed →
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on May
it is a long monthwe have enjoyed warmer daysbut now pray for rainto Europe’s east warWe need human resourcesnot just munitionsnowhere is safe nowKyiv is attacked day and nightonly the dead restin the Holy Landa new testament writtenin blood of childrenthe wringing of handsringing of cash registersversus body-countnow The Genocideassumes a new currencycafé talk topictelevision →
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on gratitude
After the eulogyNo music, thank youLet silence fill the roomIts clamour echo from the raftersIts cacophony fill our headsIts weight press on our earsLet us hear the beating of hearts~n.b. NaPoWriMo 2025 Day 28 The picture is from St Peter’s, Hoveton, Norfolk, built in 1624. CLP 28/04/2025 →
Journey of Words 