Nature provides inspiration for Junette Schoell, who has previously appeared in Poet’s Corner with poems about Wilpena Pound, the Barossa Valley and Victoria’s High Country. This time, she writes on the shearwaters of Phillip Island

Shearwaters, Grossard Point

They come and go
according to the season.

April lift off
to foreign Arctic climes.
From cliff faces they fly
thousands and thousands of miles
weathering storms
to reach warmer seas
to feed.
Single flocks of millions
travel together the oceans,
landing in safety rafts,
diving
for sustenance,
krill, fish, crustaceans
breaking their fasts.
Yet, most lose
half their body fat
from such arduous journeys.

September sees return:
squawking, swirling in
to breed
as faithful pairs
in their very same
Red Rock retreats.

Shearwaters.
Just like the holiday makers?
Migrators.
Retreaters.
Summer lovers
and some,
occasional island members
of St John’s Uniting, Cowes.

Born in the Barossa Valley, Junette Schoell now lives on the slopes of Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges. She began writing poetry as a young teacher on Kangaroo Island, with her poetry coming from strong personal moments and challenges, and the experiences of nature both old and renewed. Long-term members of the Lutheran Church of Knox near the Dandenongs, Junette and her husband are also “shearwater” members of Phillip Island’s Cowes Uniting.

Readers’ original and unpublished poems up to 30 lines can be emailed, with postal address, to [email protected]. A poetry book will be awarded to each contributor.