Phil Brown: ‘Becoming Dorian’
Becoming Dorian
This is me, in a certain light;
In a certain light I look alright.
Not when the sun is far too high
But possibly under a mackerel sky.
I really prefer it overcast
The dullness hides my ravaged past.
Dim light is best for my complexion.
I cannot bear my own reflection
In hotel mirrors where neon rules,
Those bright bathrooms are for fools.
Give me a darkened room for sure
With just dim lamplight please, no more.
Am I becoming Dorian Gray?
Just nod for yes then look away.
Phil Brown
Madam: Archbishop Fisher (July-August 2024) does not resist the attacks on his church by the political, social or scientific atheists and those who insist on not being told what to do.
Aug 29 2024
6 mins
To claim Aborigines have the world's oldest continuous culture is to misunderstand the meaning of culture, which continuously changes over time and location. For a culture not to change over time would be a reproach and certainly not a cause for celebration, for it would indicate that there had been no capacity to adapt. Clearly this has not been the case
Aug 20 2024
23 mins
A friend and longtime supporter of Quadrant, Clive James sent us a poem in 2010, which we published in our December issue. Like the Taronga Park Aquarium he recalls in its 'mocked-up sandstone cave' it's not to be forgotten
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2 mins