Art Class on Observatory Hill, Sydney

Here, the sea’s bowl ̶

the harbour with still, white boats

and coloured flags ̶ a Dufy carnival,

lines crisscrossing, the arch of the bridge

against roofs of scattered houses, shops.

It is afternoon, late summer ̶

how the promise of ships lies lazily

across the myriad bays

reaching as far as eye can see.

The landscape-class, easels set up

have it leisurely before them.

Their canvasses reflect this bluest of light

where the tutor’s words float like gulls

wheeling in and out among Moreton Bay figs.