Describe the landscape that you love best and say what it is about the landscape that really draws you to it. Can you maybe also suggest why you think (from your own history and background) this landscape above all others captures your imagination, your Whole Being?

Blog 1: The Royal National Park

Maybe it was the beautiful sunset peeking over the calm waters, or the sweet sound of the waves kissing the shore line softly. Maybe the whole idea of camping, hiking and swimming in the warm weather, made me fall in love with the Royal National Park. I looked back at all my memories and I remember how the extraordinary views encapsulated my attention away from the numbing in my feet as we continued to walk for several hours over jagged rocks and tall mountains. The scratching feeling of plants brushing up against our legs to greet us and the burning hot sun shining bright onto our very sweaty bodies, leaving us all sun kissed and hugged tightly by the heat. Now, at the top of the mountain, I sit and catch my breath whilst acknowledging the alluring beauty of the natural environment surrounding me. I see the crystal blue waters, shimmering in the sunlight. I see the trees dancing side by side in the wind and the leaves slowly falling off and gently landing on the arid ground. Green and bright, peacefulness is all I feel..it is all I see. The calming smell of salty sea water and the earthly smell of grass and soil made me feel so relaxed as I sat up high on the mountain tops.

Drip, drip, drip. The clouds began to cry and shower us with its tears— which was rather refreshing if you ask me. The smell of fresh rain. The sound of our muddy shoes stomping through the camp ground. The sound of laughter rang throughout my ears. Pure joy and happiness. It is now night time, the rain has settled at ease.. as I lay in my sleeping bag with the tent wide open, I see that the stars were shining so bright, dancing in the moon light. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.. As I close my eyes, I think to my self why I love this breathtaking place so much.. Maybe it is because it reminds me of simpler times, or maybe the memories of being with all my friends and escaping our crazy busy lives together. Maybe it is because I was able to connect with nature for the very first time and really appreciate it’s natural beauty… either way, The Royal National Park will always have a place in my heart and it will always be something I treasure for the rest of my life.

 

Try writing a stanza that uses the punchy rhythm of Kendall’s “Bell Birds”

Blog 2: Family is Forever… 

Family is something we should cherish,

We never know when we will perish,

Family is something we’ve been blessed,

Time is not forever, choose your quest.

With the right attitude, you will shine,

Grab a seat, sit and dine.

Family is forever.

I decided to write this poem about something that means a lot to me and that is my family. I tried my very best to follow the rhythm of Henry Kendall’s, ‘Bell Birds’ poem.

 

Write a letter to Patrick White telling him what you think of any one of the texts you have read this week.

Blog 3: Patrick White

Dear Mr. White,

I am reaching out to you in reference to your beautifully written essay, “The Prodigal Son” as it has left me feeling grateful and blessed to be living in the country I live in. The title itself is rather engaging and clearly carefully thought out as it portrays your connection to Australia and disconnect you experienced. I particularly enjoyed how you structured out this text as it clear depicts what you went through, when you went through it all in order to eventually reconnect with Australia through its landscape and the people. Taking us as readers on the trip with you as you went to Greece and London gave the readers a deeper understanding of how important ‘home’ really is, and it also allowed the readers to grow a connection to your experiences as many can relate.

The line that stood out to me the most in particular was, “…most rewarding of all, are the many letters I have received from unknown Australians. To me, the letters alone are reason enough for staying” (“The Prodigal Son”). The reason this touched me so deeply was because of the fact that, it portrays the successfulness of your writing and the feeling of satisfaction is overwhelming as the readers continue to encourage your work to blossom. I really enjoyed this ending line as I feel like it was the perfect way to end your incredible journey for your return back home… Australia.

Thank you for this engaging piece and taking us readers on your journey with you through the many language techniques used.

Yours Sincerely,

Eliane Habib

 

Write a letter to either Judith Beveridge or Francis Webb telling them how one of their poems has made a deep impression on you.

Blog 4: Judith Beveridge 

Dear Judith Beveridge,

I am writing to you in regard to your poem “The Domesticity of Giraffes” and how your words touched me. The use of imagery and many other language techniques stood out as it portrayed a deeper perspective on feeling trapped.

You drew focus to the entrapment of women and illustrated the lack of power deep inside those who are trapped within their own selves through the use of Metaphor, which I found clever and beautiful as you used the giraffe in captivity to illustrate such a strong meaning. The trauma and agony that the giraffe is feeling clearly depicts the difference between the tamed animals as the tamed animals are ‘free’ whereas the giraffe is restricted to roam around like the rest of the animals. This metaphor portrays the typical domestic lifestyles of both men and women. Women are commonly known to stay home and take care of the house work all day, whereas the man are allowed to roam around, work wherever they desire. In the poem, you made sure to highlight the giraffe being without power, freedom and independence through the use of this metaphor and you absolutely captured my attention and definitely made me think about how women are perceived in today’s society whilst comparing to how they were perceived in the ancient time.

This poem of yours in particular really moved me as I myself am a young woman and the possibility of being perceived as a caged animal. The fear of losing and missing out on one in a lifetime opportunities’ due to my gender. Losing the power, the control of my life and having to stay in one spot for the rest of my life because of what society sees us as women. Thank you for speaking out for all women and making all readers realise the deeper meaning behind it all and the importance of each and every individual life.

Yours truly,

Eliane Habib