Caravel Poems
‘Caravel’
A boat like a caravel,
That’s my boat!
I loved it when you did,
At just the same time;
We pointed to it together.
For José Saramago
upon reading The Tale Of The Unknown Island
‘Twenty Ways to Greet a Tiger’
I Timidity
No need to simper, cringe or grin; yet in this age of extroversion,
shyness is the charm.
II Temerity
Will you remember this kind of freedom? Relish it while it lasts!
III Taciturnity
Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do not know.
IV Tenacity
Your adversary surely respects this.
V Talaria
You’ll need these, the winged sandals that Hermes wore.
VI Tamasha
If your flight fails, be sure to put on a grand show.
As they do in India, preferably with dancing.
VII Thanatos
No palimpsest of slander, nor embalmer’s eye in amber.
Only this mask of inscrutable power tempts you.
VIII Tarboosh
The tassel on your felt fez cap, being red,
is likely to madden your foe. But why not tempt your Fate?
I dare you!
IX Tamarind
Should you fail to entertain, be sure your flesh is flavoured
for the feast of a king.
X Teetotum
This small spinning top with letters on each of its four sides,
spun with the fingers, will determine who wins or loses.
XI Tantivy
This running gallop, used as a hunting cry, might be worth a try.
XII Temperance
Your eyes plead for moderation and mercy you never showed,
nor ever shall know.
XIII Trepidation
Don’t let anyone say that you were predictable.
XIV Tachycardia
The beating of your heart is swifter than winds of the great Jinn,
who whirl constellations from one galaxy to another.
XV Tartufo
This edible fungus will not save you,
but there are worse things
than enjoying a truffle on your way toward death.
XVI Temporality
Your appointment with time is now.
XVII Tenure
Yours has expired.
XVIII Terror
Go on, you cannot help it.
XIX Transcendence
You are a sleeper, more awake than ghosts.
XX Tact
There is nothing a tiger values more highly.
You are asking: ‘Why did I not share this with you immediately?’
Life often keeps her best secrets till last -
in your case, too late.
Twenty Ways to Greet a Tiger was published in 2011 Award Winning Australian Writing (Melbourne Books).
