Walking Beneath the Rising Crescent Moon
By Jonathan Hill
Published 1 January 2021
at midnight marks park is bathed
in moonlit luminance.
ocean breath
mingles and meanders
through sand, shrubs and sculptures,
that rest like prayers upon the land.
these alien silhouettes defy slumber,
waiting as one for the sun to ascend.
dark water rolls and rises
before exploding against the rocks;
whitewash dispersed
amidst shallow hissing whispers
that carry oceanic particles
to the stars.
he stands atop the headland -
fists clenched, mid-stride;
his bronze heart black with grief
walking
from an unknown place
to an unknown destination.
an imposing presence
like a spirit of creation.
I reach for his hand
and lead him to the edge
where we sit cross-legged
above the sea.
the scent of sandstone and metal
the glow of Bondi behind
we inhale the crescent moon
and peer at hidden constellations
whilst conversing in haikus
about the nature of being.
On Wednesday October 24, poet Jonathan Hill led participants from Yaralla House through poetic exercises responding to sculptures displayed as part of the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition. Students worked with artists and educators to consider sculptures through different ‘lenses’ and were inspired to write poetry through tactile, visual and aural exploration: discovering what happens when you blend the forms of sculpture and poetry.
Gateway, a group poem + Jonathan Hill reflects on his experience with participants.
Staged on the spectacular Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk, Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi is one of Sydney’s most popular events, with 500,000 visitors viewing over 100 sculptures by artists from around the world. Held since 1997, this free to the public exhibition captures the imagination of Sydney and its visitors for three weeks each spring and is the largest annual sculpture exhibition in the world. The exhibition generates an almost unprecedented level of goodwill among the public as they enjoy one of the most unique events in the world.