Stay Quietly in Your Seats
By John BartlettIn this poem, John Bartlett examines scenes from the past and present day to consider how absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Creative
Arrival
By Angela CostiAngela Costi’s poem considers how the stories of newly arrived people can be undermined by legal definitions, how Australia’s migration law is designed to keep them in a state of ‘arrival’.
The System Will Live On
By Zara GudnasonZara Gudnason reflects on the inadequacies of the system in protecting the most vulnerable and the tragedy that can occur when crucial services are under-resourced.
Incremental Changes
By Dave ClarkIn this moment of rising authoritarianism and political theatre, Dave Clark reminds us not to lose sight of the cumulative effects of small shifts and injustices.
Sowing the Moon
By Adam DaySowing the Moon speaks to the slowness of suburban life and trying to live life under duress in Louisville, where the atmosphere of unrest is particularly pertinent in the central city during this time of protest.
Aftermath
By Bill CotterAs we approach another bushfire season, Bill Cotter recalls the devastation on Betka Beach after last summer’s fires and also the resilience of nature.
Bayt al Dunya
By Farah BeainiFarah Beaini, a Lebanese-Australian poet, shares a poem for her city and the Lebanese people following the recent explosions in Beirut.
beside the glass Coolamon, inside a sheepish cabinet
By Joseph GleesonJoseph Gleeson takes us to the year 2035 or 2038, as the leader of the Refugee Council of Australia waits for the Prime Minister to finish speaking.
When You Need to Start Again
By Natalie D-NapoleonNatalie D-Napoleon’s poem is from a body of work that explores motherhood, from both a political and personal perspective, and the silencing of women’s voices.
Moving the Darkness
By Freddy IryssMoving the Darkness is a personal reflection, part eye-witness account of the recent mega fires ravaging the South Coast of NSW, where Freddy Iryss lives.
Dice playing
By Virginia LoweAfter an unprecedented bushfire season, the curious protagonist of Dr Virgina Lowe’s prose poems considers our planet, the climate crisis and chance.