Old Man Banksia - Plumwood Mountain

here is the wind
that brings life to the flower
cream yellow

				                                 chalky cliffs resembling 
				                                   those of old england


inflorescence bees and honey
honey-eaters perch
antiquities lumpy bark

				                                an opening appearing 
				                                  like a harbour

this ardent sentry guards
a roughened coast 
weathered autochthonous  


				                                the appearance 
				                                  of highest fertility

the flower golden 
browns the myth that nature
conspires against us


				                                our boat proceeded 
				                                 along shore
					

seed in a bunker
wailing for fire singing
for rain elementary 


				                               in the distance 
				                                 small smoke rising

This specimen was collected in 1973 from a small tree, approximately 3-4m high with yellowish-grey flowers growing on Gweagal land.

Herbarium specimen images were provided by The National Herbarium of New South Wales.

The poetry film ‘Old Man Banksia’ was first shown at the Edinburgh Festival’s House of Oz, which showcased the diversity and vibrancy of Australian arts and creativity from 5-29 August, 2022.

‘Old Man Banksia’ was filmed by Steph Vajda on Gubbi Gubbi land.

Interview with Luke

This film project was generously supported by AIATSIS and produced by Luke Patterson in collaboration with Steph Vajda, Dan Baebler and Sam Watson of Article One.