I'Kananook

Description

I'Kananook

On the first day Eaglehawk and Raven
Opened my mouth and the sea rejoiced
For six days and nights I ran beside Dunes
Embracing the progeny of Black Bream
Glassy Galaxias and slipstream Eel
When the Wattle bloomed
I greeted the Boonerwrung
Who unfailingly inscribed all my seasons
Then generously erased their signs
They danced
Where sweet water mingled with salt
Until I was sighted from afar
As the sun was setting on the seventh day
Tall ships hastened from the gilded city
And before I could see colour in their eyes
The bush was neatly stacked
Tent pegs inscribed the first grid
Parcelling the breadth
Between my mouth and the first rise
By nightfall
Bridges were built over me, hotels beside me
Fishermen moored in me
My wetland was drained
My mouth was flushed, my belly dredged
Train tracks breached my phantom swamp
For the flock who ride on Sunday
And for my tenants returning home
Swinging a hurricane lamp to light their way

- Evangelos Sakaris, 2006