Even though the picture
of local council stalinist infrastructure
with long rows of militarily undressed teenagers.
That visceral bite of chlorine as you dive across
freeway-marked lines of swimmers.
Sometimes the space beneath
a modest waterfall -
the bubbling contusion of water carving
sandstone as it flows.
The sun is trimmed to filigree by overhanging gums,
small fish brown with life
& the bush's tiny flowers
(in close up extravagant in their colour/
worshipped by birds & insects).
The water parts to calloused hands
mouth lets go troubled breath
then you are cradled & deep
in the Australian heart.