Riversdale.(Translation) . Poem by Michael Walker

Bill Sewell came to New Zealand at age fourteen. He gained a PhD in German from Otago University, where he also lectured.He published his first volume of poetry in 1982. In the late 1980s, Sewell moved to Wellington and took a law degree from Victoria University and worked as a legal researcher. He published six volumes of poetry. Bill Sewell died of cancer aged 52.
Riversdale is a small town in Southland; no sooner do you arrive there you are leaving again 'a hiatus on the plain'.At the Mobil service station, it is hard for a motorist to get served. The Mobil man would sooner keep to himself at night. He is suspicious of Northerners, who talk quickly, drive fast. They expect instant service at the petrol station at night. They think they can subdue thee South in one transit.
There are differences in temperament between North Islanders and Southerners-a generalisation- as I found out when living in Kaikoura. People in the South are more reserved and conservative, until they get to know you better.They do talk slower, with a slightly different accent. Getting slow service at a service station-or any other shop- though, happens just as much in the North.
I enjoyed reading 'Riversdale'.