1901

When we were all servants
scrubbing off Madam's slurs
I gave up my baby
and the black girl kept hers.
When I got my own high horse
living things felt my spurs
and the flowers were all golden wattle.

1921

That weak word the Battlers:
I saw from the train
families punch hoods from wheat bags
to keep out the rain;
Tom said a seller's market
made Australian girls vain
and for Tom the flowers were poppies.

1941

Ar there, Ginger Meggs:
was it Susso tea and suet
put those calipers on your legs?
If Sister Kenny could do it
you'd walk again like a trooper.
left-right and left-right
and the wreaths would be Singapore orchids.

1961

We came because here were no politics
said your in-laws. Sweet monotonous languor!
and a pill was a sexless bore at school
but one brought bassinettes under control;
you were young and free for longer:
somehow this caused great anger
and soon flowers came by wire from America.

1981

You rose climbing up,
you rose going down
as snide peace with few imports
hung on in your home town.
When green learned to rust iron
dinners dared not be brown
and the flowers were flung gladioli.

2001

Fashion ruled, but another queen reigned.
Some flickers of nonsense remained:
It's evening here. Nonna, so hey!
The world won't be ending today.
One last war-trip, and none of ours killed!
Collective rights alone were instilled;
the singular was gagged and at bay
and the flowers were Olympic Gold roses.