by Fiona McIlroy

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A ripening dusk
bathes Lake George
in golden light
bands of white sheaf
binding husk tight to stalk
from Murrays bus

reptilean hills
keep steady
unblinking gaze
behind dry lake
clouded brows
cast shadow under
hooded eyes
as Canberra draws
us closer toward
its cumulus towers

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Poetry has always been central to Fiona McIlroy. She studied Literature at University of Melbourne, and taught at all levels. Landscape and culture inspire Fiona. She won the HRAFF Poetry prize in 2009, and has been published in 15 anthologies. She has convened Poetry in Motion (Poet’s Train Canberra to Sydney) since 2009.