Elpida / Elsie
By Zoe, Leeton
The waves crash. The world sways. My stomach churns.
Sweet Virgin Mary! What am I doing?
I breathe deeply and salt coats my tongue.
Memories flash across my mind in quick succession;
my village,
my parents,
my sister,
my brothers.
Me.
They called me the sweet one.
The one who danced freely, who sang so sweetly.
The despair came, the fear, war was here.
I wrench my thoughts from the darkness.
No, that time has passed now, I breathe deeply again.
Now something laces the salty air; Hope? Fear? Uncertainty?
Yes, all those things.
I place my hand on my swollen belly. I grasp my son's hand. I glance at my husband.
We're here, venturing into the unknown for something better.
Maybe there I will sing and dance again. Maybe.
Mrs Houdini
By Oumi, Griffith
Just got back from my trip
and can't wait to put my feet up.
I call for Harold, no answer.
I call again, silence.
Years of this and he still thinks it's funny.
Well this is the last straw.
Wasting no more time,
I'm doing my own vanishing act.
Man's best friend
By Sue, Narrandera
- and they're racing
Soft sable fur
- heading for the first turn
A cold, velvet nose
- rounding the turn
Snuffling for a pat
- heading towards the straight
Sad, brown eyes
-she's falling behind the pack
Crying recognition
- couldn't finish the race
Heart exploding with effort
- a breakdown
Broken hearted
- put her down
Cry good bye