Mediterranean Refugee Crisis On watch— In a long slow timeless wash Reflux of freighted waters Slim frigates ride— Grey grace the warping waves bestride And fall and rise again like Greeks Upreared on dolphins (That classic life still breathing Like a soul trapped in a ribcage.) Our Sea Floats palaces and palm trees— Towns sick with age, walls punched with holes, Seized gates, Flung windows, stone stares of greats Long metamorphosed, and Cool tiled courts (Full ugly now with fat in shorts— The Renaissance closing down. Descent of Vandals— Cloisters flap with fall of sandals And a squeak of trolley…
Subscribe to get access to all online articles
Already a member?
Sign in to read this article
Digital Subscription
$88/ YR
Get the latest ideas from Australia’s most insightful writers.
- Digital Subscription includes
- Online editions of Quadrant Magazine
- Printed editions of Quadrant Magazine
- iPad ready PDF
- Access to Quadrant Archives
Printed & Digital Subscription
$108/ YR
For avid readers of leading ideas
from Australia’s brightest.
- Printed & Digital Subscription includes
- Online editions of Quadrant Magazine
- Printed editions of Quadrant Magazine
- iPad ready PDF
- Access to Quadrant Archives
- 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.