Further information
Publication details
Volume 1, May 1996
A Colonial Family
In my wild, erotic fancy
visions come to me, in colour
of this gentle governess
we'll call her Charlotte M.
engaged for Sarah, Anna and 'our Jane'
who're coyly mounted sidesaddle
in stiff black riding habits
bambazine bows on high-necked bodices
while the lean aboriginal groom
stands suitably apart.
In the eucalypt backdrop
a dog teases a possum
Mater and Pater look on
property and propriety are preserved.
Now in 1860, Charlotte was painted there
part of the scene, if not the family
a few years later, Charlotte was no longer there
a few brush strokes had painted her out.
In the 1900's, Charlotte is back
revealed by an eager restorer
who stripped away the veneer.
Did she become, as they might say
"overly familiar with the natives"?
Did a wisp of hay fall from her hair
or a flake of dung drop from her heel?
I fancy she broke the taboos of family tableaux
- I like to fancy she had no regrets.
University information
CRICOS Code: 00126G
