sanctuary

for the Murray-Darling Basin
 
 
clusters of cod float
             on their sides, shaping                        a new absence
 
 
iridescence draining
             from ancient scales                            under the sun
 
 
another year of drought                                 manufactured
             by the ministers who negotiated
for a piece of you
 
 
             who used scientific jargon
to muddy the flow
             between the rivers                              in our bodies
 
 
as water is hacked and                                   divided
             siphoned through
pore and pipeline
 
 
             you who remember
how                                                                 forgetful
             we must be to keep machines
 
 
below the ground and expect
             sanctuary in the heat
another town                                                  cracking open