Snatches of different languages. I look up

the steps of the Sydney Opera House.

Scattered pockets of tourists climb and run up.

 

There’s a universal bravado about it all.

Birds of paradise bordering a concrete vaulting,

blown trash whipping at the chain-link fence.

 

The flora is lush, random and leggy,

limbs smooth as butter-cream stride on by.

Flip-flops slop maintaining a momentum

which travels up the body. Slight girls

in tight skirts drag wedge heels behind

their rucksacks hobbling the posture.

 

A scene of transience, paradise bordering.

Blown trash whipping at the chain-link fence.