A gift from Uncle Joey,
you came wrapped, traditionally,
in the classified pages.

You were a

It is necessary
to step carefully:
the rocks on the path are angular
and deceptive.

Some are

Soon after we start walking,
the warm drizzle gets heavier.
Your yellow T-shirt (ages 6-7,

I wash the dishes
while you play.
Your notes splash,
warm and soapy.

You saw away:
Now - as I

The farmhouse squats, unharmed, below
the grove of scorched gum trees.
A long black stubbly

The fisherman stood on the wave-scrubbed sand
and cast his line in the sea,
with his upright

Roaring, breaking, waves
of flame and turmoil of smoke
wipe the blackboard clean.

Was it all

Curled up, sleeping
on the car's floor:
my mother's voice.
No words I remember.
Just her

Take a deep breath -
Feel yourself expand out
into the world.
Arms and chest spread
wide open,

At the interface
Warm dark below, air above.
Which way shall I go?

20/1/2017