Pebbly Beach was our go-to, school’s out,
backyard playground:
where we ran away to, moved away from,
kicked off against.
It’s what helped shape us.
Where you met and broke up with people;
sulked or celebrated.
Where you learnt how to swim
and hold your breath under water;
tasting native oysters for the first time.
Where your parents hoped to find you
when you went missing.
Where you wanted to forget
but it wouldn’t let you
because it was part of your living being.
When you revisit such places after 40 years
you’re not sure what it is,
but the meaning lies deep,
makes tears,
goes in all directions.
like a fragrant dream.
Hard to put into words.
