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Shelter
In the cramp of the city-circle tunnel,
………… a commuter backs up against a closed door,
………… one arm crooked, hand splayed against the carriage roof,
………… hunched within his winter coat,
………… chin tucked, eyes closed.
Across the rooftops from the kitchen window,
………… homebound traffic drones to mealtime clatter,
………… and shunted out of weariness he blinks,
………… a blue heron sits folded, a figurehead
………… on the prow of a nearby roof.
Carried within the stop and start of routines is shelter,
………… awkwardly stilled.
Louise Molloy lives on the lands of the Boon Wurrung people in Melbourne, Australia, teaching English language and literacy courses for adults and writing for children’s magazines. Her poetry has appeared in Island, Overland, Going Down Swinging, Hecate and online in Cordite.
This poem was originally published in Vallum issue 17:1 Home.
Vallum magazine is also available in digital format. Featuring additional content such as: AUDIO and VIDEO recordings of selected poets, further poems, interviews, essays, and MORE! Visit our website for details.
Vallum: Contemporary Poetry 