SONG TO A MANIOTOTO SPRING

Rather late the plum and cherry blooms
and daffodils scabby patchwork between the sheep
triumph in revival, rescued by plain relief
and winter's going, my children skate
on the concrete pad of the Motel car port.

Whatever is rescued by the sun
gives up delighted cheers, hip,hip,hip
hooray, we travelled here, arriving unexpectedly
and agree to the stay, a settled happiness.

Offspring cherished beyond reckoning
a personal account love brings
go skateboard singing, go spring springing.
sing to the way out, to Dansey's Pass
and the capture and echo of our departing shouts.

IN PRAISE OF FISH

My great grandfather a poacher
tickling the trout on the' border,
a river separating opposing sides.

In winter water
he dipped his wrists
to catch the game
to deride, inflame.

I am tickling
to get a rise,
waiting as he waited
baiting the other side.

Here are islands
of silence, who will say yes or no
I write in praise of fish,
of untouched rights.

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