The below is a poem about a recent social media argument between science communicator, scientist and PhD candidate Upulie Divisekera (follow on Twitter @upulie ) and a very famous tech entrepreneur after he made some sweeping generalisations and dismissive statements. My little effort is styled upon Walt Whitman's When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer. When I … Continue reading Of nano, knowledge and social media
Random Short Thoughts
Speak words and learn
I delivered a short story writing workshop to a high school class. I'm still riding on a crest of elation over its success. Given the opportunity, it's something I could get used to. In an unrelated incident, I was telling someone I had written stories that were published. This person's enthusiastic response reminded me being … Continue reading Speak words and learn
A matter of time
I don't think I believe in linear time. Lines are just points joined together; they don't have heft or taste. They exist to measure who's winning, but have no extent. They're abstract. You can't sense linear time internally the same way other time is detected. I have moments when I am chock full of vital … Continue reading A matter of time
All the life left
The clock strikes off the hollow half-hours of all the life that is left to you, one by one. - Emily Bronte I love this time of year; especially the long afternoons of mellow golden light, well at least on those days when it isn't raining or threatening to. While the sun is shining it's … Continue reading All the life left
Another International Women’s Day
It's International Women's Day...but all I have are questions and recollections. Why would anyone notice I have been tone policed when women are being murdered as they flee violence? Do political leaders care about when I was stalked by a man with a psychiatric illness (a year after my classmate was murdered) when they continue … Continue reading Another International Women’s Day
Life outside the frame
Many would consider the small towns I lived near and grew up in boring. It was the 1980s and they lacked the services and excitement of the cities. But they didn't lack for character, nor characters. There was a woman who lived on the fringe of town (when I say town I mean one of … Continue reading Life outside the frame
Gestures towards immortality
We half remember the lyrics. We stumble through the steps, and tire too soon. And then grow still. We hum tunelessly when once we sang. And fade to a hush when the sound is turned low. We read until we lose the book, or our sight dims. And recite until voices become hoarse. Rest is … Continue reading Gestures towards immortality
A memory
Today, flags are half mast at the Country Fire Service office at Naracoorte and I remembered. Days after I watched TV and the dust storm cover cities in red dirt, hot air blasted the trees, throwing eucalypt branches into the community swimming lake where I was having lessons. The water was cool, even if I didn't … Continue reading A memory
Mystery is the reason for the season
I'm a big admirer of scientific discoveries. I collect data and evidence because they are reassuring and often useful in life and stories. Right now, the Geminid shower is taking place, but I can't see anything. It doesn't matter. Anyway, my stance on science doesn't mean I discard experiences and phenomena that can't be dissected, … Continue reading Mystery is the reason for the season
One invisible story
Indulge me for a moment as I present these facts. Women make half the food and fibre in the world. The entire freaking world. Up until 23 years ago any Australian woman filling in the Census could not be categorised as a farmer. Women could be 'farmer's wives' or 'help meets' but even if they … Continue reading One invisible story
Writing Bec 