Long listed for the Write about Walking Together competition 2024

I stroll on Wiradjuri Country,
invited by this land's custodians,
to walk and watch birds in flight.

Unlike my European ancestors in custody, 
who were expected to walk and wield harm, 
to box up birds for museum bounty,

I’ll capture these creatures on camera only, 
keen to click and catch calls and charm.
A kaleidoscope of colour. Taken.

How can I tread here softly enough? 
Kookaburra descends from eucalypts 
and from avian ancestors to laugh at

my clumsy apology?

I wait and admire feathers   bright blue, 
brought from the sky
‘Welcome’she whispers.

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