Letter

I welcome you from the scorn of seas
from barracks and shacks
from not enough and ill health

I feel in this letter it must have an introduction
to myself - minor writer of Chilean heritage
to this country

This for me is too formal
and the stronger point to make
a point of optimism is that
many of the greater parts

of this country are still a mystery.
Some mysteries kept from schools
others that are the people you meet
and the unassuming intelligence

of good Australians and our landed ancestors

This letter is like a fire without fury.
Many of us have seen you from a distance
and sailed out to your journey
to meet you half way

half way to hunger
safety shelter and society
in our wishes to
join harbours and share street

(to be continued)