Thanksgiving on the Beach
He struck hard: with conviction
And grave judgement in his arm
Sombre, perhaps, like judges everywhere
But not magisterial. And wouldn't any heart beat faster if
Its blood drove forward a spear and not a gavel? Phillip took it like a
Certain type of Englishman
Familiar with the many whips and robes of justice
Spear barb sticking from his back.
Shock, but no reprisal
I guess a good captain senses
Which way the world is turning. And Willemering dashed for the bush
Grave, not magisterial
His belly full of whale
Perhaps every judge and juror taking
Blood and years to feed leviathan
Should have to run a barefoot marathon
Once in a while. -- From Arthur Phillip's Spearing .
And grave judgement in his arm
Sombre, perhaps, like judges everywhere
But not magisterial. And wouldn't any heart beat faster if
Its blood drove forward a spear and not a gavel? Phillip took it like a
Certain type of Englishman
Familiar with the many whips and robes of justice
Spear barb sticking from his back.
Shock, but no reprisal
I guess a good captain senses
Which way the world is turning. And Willemering dashed for the bush
Grave, not magisterial
His belly full of whale
Perhaps every judge and juror taking
Blood and years to feed leviathan
Should have to run a barefoot marathon
Once in a while. -- From Arthur Phillip's Spearing .
