To Bruce Dawe; Passing Through Australia Day

To Bruce Dawe

(Upon reading his poem “Why Liberation from Dictatorship May Take Some Time”)

It is not that freedom

is only a word we have heard.

We have seen its shining face snarl

at our discipline.

It is there during every shave

and could easily crash the car.

Walk off forever with nothing.

It is there in bed

it is there in sleep

in dream it is there.

I have seen it whilst welding.

Freedom is as deadly as war

and you can have as much of it

as you can handle.

Our Great and Fearless Leader

will grow within you

like vanity.

She will complain loudly

whilst taking liberties with freedom

the tribal cannot bear.

False histories

women in men’s bodies.

Freedom is a decision

to take your animal for a walk

without Dante or Beatrice.

I will pass through

the eye of a needle.

Orgasm and wealth

will hinder more than help.

Freedom is in another room

and I can have as much of it

as you can handle.

Patrick McCauley

Passing Through Australia Day

Best to stay out of it—stay home—in the garden—do some weeding—plant something—pick the first tomatoes and make fresh white bread sandwiches with pepper and salt—have a picnic in the backyard—watch the cricket with the sound turned off.

Try not to feel too depressed and remember you are alive and free—the fridge is full. The recently arrived will have flags—all those who seek to belong—behind the fences—there will be flags on all the public buildings.

Look at your fences—around the house—check for rust or rot—check for holes—plant the first autumn crops while the soil is still warm. Water the grass or cut it close—replace that rotted weatherboard—build some cupboards in the shed. Do not think too much on Australia Day for thoughts can become confused—conflicted—you can doubt yourself—your parentage—think your family small and weak—you can think your country soiled—making freedom soils those who make it most. Try to banish thoughts of human rights and prune the trees that have already stopped their fruit. On Australia Day do not do any work.

Whatever you do—do not drink alcohol—because alcohol makes you white—drink black tea with sugar and eat fresh fruit. Watch the cricket with the sound turned off—don’t turn on the ABC.

Patrick McCauley