Age 14, following Australian trip to Heron Island
Island
Jewel of the southern seas
winking in the sun, precariously
perched on the aqua cays.
around you
the fish timidly darting
corals patiently building
terns and mutton birds feeding.
The reef goes on, life goes on.
How comforting, this island.
Age 15
Poor Little Weed
Who cares about you?
The gardeners hate you.
One glance, and into the compost pile you go.
But what have you done
to deserve such treatment?
Merely live.
Survive in a world alongside the pampered blue bloods.
Because you are tough
and strong
with no fabulous decorations
They hate you.