Poems

Hal G.P. Colebatch: The old Bristile exhibition

  The old Bristile exhibition There was a glassed-in rotunda in the paddock, Along with a witch’s castle, and other delights, Toy soldiers marched on an endless belt, Families picnicked. One of those sights   The guide-books never mentioned, yet unique In its own hardly-noticed way, With a sort of innocence, a small essence Of childhood wonder on a sunny day.   Who bought them, dressed the ranks, installed The machinery that kept them on the move? Someone long forgotten, bent To create this strange little act of love.   Slouch-hatted diggers, Britain’s Royal Marines All in perfect step, rifles…

Subscribe to get access to all online articles

Digital Subscription

$98/ YR

Get the latest ideas from Australia’s most insightful writers.

Subscribe

  • Digital Subscription includes
  • Online editions of Quadrant Magazine
  • Printed editions of Quadrant Magazine
  • iPad ready PDF
  • Access to Quadrant Archives
  •  
  •  

Printed & Digital Subscription

$118/ YR

For avid readers of leading ideas
from Australia’s brightest.

Subscribe

  • Printed & Digital Subscription includes
  • Online editions of Quadrant Magazine
  • Printed editions of Quadrant Magazine
  • iPad ready PDF
  • Access to Quadrant Archives
  •  
  •  

Quadrant Patron

$300/ YR

Show your support for Australia’s
most open minded publication.

Subscribe

  • Quadrant Patron includes
  • Online editions of Quadrant Magazine
  • Printed editions of Quadrant Magazine
  • iPad ready PDF
  • Access to Quadrant Archives
  • All new editions of Quadrant Books
  • Exclusive invitations to Quadrant Dinners, book launches and events.