Waving the Flag Spotlight on budding poet

Though only in year 9, Riverside High School student Erin Coull has been perfecting the craft of poetry for a number of years after first attempting to write a novel.

“I lowered my sights (but not my ambitions!) and am currently developing my craft. I enjoy experimenting with new styles, themes and genres,” Erin said.

A reminder to our community that the office of Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer is able to provide flags to organisations within the electorate.

The Australian, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander flags are available to a range of organisations including RSLs, schools, local councils, churches, not-for-profit groups and community organisations.

Bridget Archer has been proud to present flags throughout northern Tasmania on behalf of the Commonwealth and encourages organisations to contact her to arrange delivery of a flag.

If your community organisation or school would like to request a flag, please email bridget.archer. mp@aph.gov.au

“Having only been at the school for a little more than a year, Mr Gunn has, from day one, strived to create a school environment which all children and the wider school community can be part of.

Jason has a bold vision to make his school the best in the state, and, with his courage, determination and infectious enthusiasm, he is well on his way to achieving his goal.” (Extract from Bridget Archer adjournment speech, 3rd August, 2021)

After speaking about the wonderful work of Jason Gunn, Principal of Ravenswood Heights Primary School in Federal Parliament, Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer was invited back to the school for a surprise presentation to honour Mr Gunn’s work. M r Gunn was presented with a copy of the Hansard and the Australian flag which was hanging in the House on the day the speech was given.

“Poetry is a way for me to express and develop my opinions, emotions and ideas in a clear yet challenging way. I enjoy writing about current events, history, mythology, nature and duality, yet am still figuring out how to write about myself.”

After recently joining WriteHere Launceston, a group for northern Tasmanian writers of all kinds, Erin was fortunate to meet and be mentored by established and renowned poets Yvonne Gluyas and Joy Elizabeth and, after performing a few readings at Tas Poets Performing, Erin has been offered a place at the 2022 Tasmanian Poetry Festival, held from 19-27th March 2022.

“I am deeply grateful to Joy and Yvonne for the opportunities they have given me and their unceasing passion and support for emerging poets,” Erin said.

Widely read, Erin draws inspiration from a number of poets and is particularly taken with local writer Kristen Lang’s recent collection Earth Dwellers, calling the works ‘eye-opening’.

“I have never seen words manipulated so strangely and so beautifully,” Erin said.

“The internationally acclaimed Neil Gaiman is my favourite poet (favourite storyteller all round!); I love the themes he explores, the language he uses and the subtlety of his messages and plot. Both have had major influence on my poetry.”

Describing writing as her ‘greatest passion’ Erin is determined to further develop her skill, style and subject matter in 2022, as she enters her final year of High School.

“As a Prefect at my school next year, I want to create more initiatives to foster an appreciation of writing in all forms and show that poetry isn’t just for tea-drinking old ladies; I believe that poetry is one of the most effective ways of storytelling and conveying messages as well as personal reflection and understanding for everyone.”

The following poem The Year the Sirens Sang is an original poem from Erin and is a reflection on the year 2020.

The Year the Sirens Sang was shortlisted for the Liffey Youth Poetry Prize as part of the Ten Days on the Island Festival in 2020.

When the keeper rises to meet the new year

The dawn is yet to break

But the waves- they never stopped They lurk around the island, Around the hulls of boats, Hide swathes of snaresSpears of stone, ridges of reef

And then, as icy wind picks up, Those waves rise to meet the blooming clouds, Hurtling through the driving sleet

And so the Keeper rises

His duty is to seaborne souls, caught in this storm

His duty is to guide us, day in and day out

To sound horn in fog and Shine light by night

He shepherds us toward the shore, Steers us to the truth in this tumult of terror

Those red stripes on white, That sweeping beam of light

That is what we turn to

As the storm begins to rage

But as thunder begins to roar, There come yawns from scarlet lips,

A flex of glinting talons

Then a preening of feathers and voice

And a woman’s shriek from feathered breast This is the year they woke and took to the skies

This is the year they drew breath as one This is the year of lie after lie, Laced with melodic malice

This is the year the sirens sang

At the sound of the choir, the sailors turn, bemused, For suddenly the thunder sounds like a foghorn

And the lightning looks like lantern shine

In the year the sirens sang

Whilst some shut out the silky screams

Some abandon the wheel, blind with panic

Some fear the truth or ignore it all

And then there are those who revel in the dark Black wings bloom from their backs and they take to the skies, Up above the wrecks of both rowboats and cruise ships

And the storm, in approval, thunders and pours

In the year the sirens sang