answersLogoWhite

0

At Cooloola By Judith Wright

The blue crane fishing in Cooloola's twilight

has fished there longer than our centuries.

He is the certain heir of lake and evening,

and he will wear their colour till he dies,

but I'm a stranger, come of a conquering people.

I cannot share his calm, who watch his lake,

being unloved by all my eyes delight in,

and made uneasy, for an old murder's sake.

Those dark-skinned people who once named Cooloola

knew that no land is lost or won by wars,

for earth is spirit: the invader's feet will tangle

in nets there and his blood be thinned by fears.

Riding at noon and ninety years ago,

my grandfather was beckoned by a ghost-

a black accoutred warrior armed for fighting,

who sank into bare plain, as now into time past.

White shores of sand, plumed reed and paperbark,

clear heavenly levels frequented by crane and swan-

I know that we are justified only by love,

but oppressed by arrogant guilt, have room for none.

And walking on clean sand among the prints

of bird and animal, I am challenged by a driftwood spear

thrust from the water; and, like my grandfather,

must quiet a heart accused by its own fear.

At Cooloola is a lyrical poem written by a well recognized Australian poet, Judith Wright. This poem creatively describes a beautiful scene of nature. The poet uses highly descriptive language and a diverse range of poetic devices to engage the reader into imagining a picture of how peaceful and serene this exquisite the scenery is down by Lake Cooloola. Underlying the subject matter is the implied theme that the lake is under threat from "conquering people" who will not protect its "white shores of sand, plumreed and paperbark". This poem reflects Judith Wright's concern for our special and unique flora and fauna, how fortunate we are to have stunning scenery, how easily mankind can destroy it, and our need to appreciate it.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is the theme for the poem 'at cooloola' by judith wright?

the theme of this poem is one of many different issues. the first of which is the boys sexual preferences whixh stirs up much contraversy at the time. most of these issues were brought about by his treatment in prison by his bum buddy.


When did Judith Wright die?

Judith Wright died in 2000.


Judith Wright woman to man summary?

Answer this question...woman to man by judith Wright


When was Judith Sewell Wright born?

Judith Sewell Wright was born in 1951.


Summary of night heron by judith wright?

summary of night herons poem by judith wright


When was woman to man by Judith Wright written?

it was published it 1949, whils she was pregnant


What has the author Judith Wright McKinney written?

Judith Wright McKinney has written: 'William Baylebridge and the modern problem, and, Henry Kingsley'


Finale the poem by judith wright?

finale


What has the author Judith Leanne Wright written?

Judith Leanne Wright has written: 'An analysis of the British supermarket industry: low cost vs. quality and service'


When did Judith Wright write Eve to her Daughters?

Judith Wright published "Eve to her Daughters" in 1959. The poem is a reflection on the relationship between women through history and generations.


When was turning fifty by judith wright written?

It may be safe to assume that Turning Fifty was written before or during 1965, the year in which Judith Wright was 50 years old.


When was the surfer written by judith wright?

"Surfer" by Judith Wright was written in 1977. It is a poem that explores themes of nature, power, and the human experience.