thank god (you are an australian)

^{O the moon shone bright on Mrs. Porter}

~

this country
has always been
a destination

I cannot speak
for the indigenous
but
for the rest . . .

a destination

from the convicts and
their soldier guards
of old england
to
the multinational grubbers
and desecrators
of the goldrushes

the escapees
from war . . .

from communism . . .

refugees

invitees

the country –
australia –
is everyone

that is . . .

it was

now
not so much

now
it is offshore processing

guilty
until proven . . .

no
just guilty
really

of something

everyone seeking entry
to the country
is guilty
of something

oh well

we are less
than we were
but
for those of us who are
australian –
no matter where
we started –
we remain
the lucky ones

except

you are wondering
now
aren’t you?

what exception
has this miserable pedant
found
to pick at
like a weeping scab

well
it is just that
if you are
an australian
god knows
the sun shines
upon you

but
if you are not
within
australia’s gentle embrace
now –
as in
right now –

well
with the pandemic
and
not enough
vaccine
and
our fear
of what you might bring . . .

we’re sorry
but
if you are stuck
somewhere else
you can’t come home

and
if you live
in a place
away from here
you can’t go
back

good luck
wherever in the world
you are

and don’t forget
you are australian

god
shines benevolence
down
upon you

~