no doubt (on australia day)

^{The boat responded
Gaily, to the hand expert with sail and oar}

~

every country
has
its own
national day

what day
is that . . .

a day to celebrate
all the country now is

what the founding fathers
hoped
it might become . . .

perhaps

there are some
here
who call it
invasion day

commemorating
when the white colonisers
came
to lay claim

turning
the occasion
away from barbecues
and sport

toward grief
and protest

a difficult day
rather
than a celebration

in this country
we award
honours
on the national day

designate
a person
of the year

to represent . . .

something
in the twelve months
to come

on behalf
of us all

the outgoing
recipient
was a victim
who turned herself
into a voice
and
a champion

a strong woman
despite
what she had
endured

she gives the impression
that she will
never
endure such
again

she wavered
though –
if only
a touch –
by enduring
a handshake
from someone she –
clearly –
loathes
intensely

how awkward
in front of so many
cameras

on such
a day

but the prime minister –
being the showman
that he is –
smiled

even more broadly
and soldiered
on

as he has before

on
so many –
awkward –
occasions

the camera
will never detect
a moment
of doubt

especially not
on
australia day

~