Emma Farry

Emma Farry Poems

The Best Poem Of Emma Farry

8 Ways Of Looking At A Gum Tree

1

'They call that a tree, '

The lamas say,

Mirth bubbling from their bellies


2

“Time to take it down, ” he said

“It’s spoiling the view.

Has done for forty years.”


3

Silver fish dart

In rock pools

Sharp eyes watch from the branch

Joy will eventually deliver lunch


4

The Kermadec tsunami

uprooted the pathway

pipes exposed

Roots tasted salt

For the first time





5

Under silvery strips

We gather in a damp, fragrant world

Working in near darkness

We build and commune


6

“Look mumma, ”

A chubby hand

Holds a crushed silver leaf

To my nose,

“Its smells like a cold, ” he says.


7

The old lady with the faded moko and the shorn head

Hands me an ancient photograph

“Can you see how small the tree is here? ” she asked

“Before the confiscation.”


8

“Stop moving, ” whispers the tree

As my arms circle its big man girth

“Stay in one place.

Rest.”

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