Museworthy: The Border

Issue 

How does fire hurt

wire?

It slides down

and slams its face

right up close: this island

is a heart attack, the rocks

are weeping

tears

from where they cannot come.

The throat slows down

and the words sit

for days —

the undigested bodies

of small animals.

At the border, the screaming,

the quiet,

none can find who they love;

leave the country

without them

(the dead)

in your eyes.

But something catches them

and you turn:

what is so evocative of

human, as a hessian

bag filled with sand ...

BY MTC CRONIN

MTC Cronin has had six books of poetry published, the most recent being Talking to Neruda's Questions and Bestseller (both Vagabond Press, 2001). Another collection, My Lover's Back, is forthcoming in 2002 (UQP). She is currently working on a PhD, Poetry and Law: Discourses of the Social Heart, and has recently received an Established Writers New Work Grant from the Australia Council for the Arts. Her books are available by contacting her at: <margie_cronin@hotmail.com> or ph: (02) 9550 2918.

From Green Left Weekly, January 23, 2002.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.