Tangerine Skies

by Saerelune   Jan 5, 2020


I used to call Australia my tangerine dream:
an island I wanted to peel apart
and nestle myself into.

Every breath I took was spent
climbing towards sweet fruit,
so when land was in sight,
I held on, fists sticky with juice.

Sydney was my brewing ground
of poetry and photographs.
My first Australian sunset
unpeeled itself and blossomed
into a painting of me:
the artist amidst her ego.

I saved the world in my sketchpad,
but now the skies have turned sour
and I can't help but wonder

if my boots dirtied the soil,
if my hands juggled too many tangerines,
if the sky is orange because of me.

I've cruised through the clouds
harvesting a better me;
plucking self-worth from universities;
planting validation in companies.

Now I've got the world on my cv,

but I'm not saving it.

Stuck in a capitalist dream
like all the other fruits in the tree.

05/01/2019
10:40 AM

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Latest Comments

  • 4 years ago

    by Star

    Judging Comment:

    I have always wanted to travel to Australia, for it's nature and endemic species. A fascinating place on earth.
    The title is Brilliant “Tangerine Skies” orange and sour sky, what a unique expression. Followed by a beautiful opening;” tangerine dream “. The images through out the poem are all great and captured the essence of it so well!!

  • 4 years ago

    by Eric

    A poem with deep truth like this so epic, thanks for sharing

  • 4 years ago

    by Maher

    A beautiful piece with a fresh perspective. It's amazing how many different ways things can be viewed and how even the smallest of things can be taken for granted. I was born here and took a lot for granted until recently. Tragedies can definitely change people, as can the perspectives of others. Thanks for sharing yours and congrats on the win! :)

  • 4 years ago

    by Poet on the Piano

    Heartbreaking and chilling at the same time. I love how fiercely this tugged at the heart, stressing the environmental awareness too. That question of are we saving or helping the earth? We may be successful, we may have the resources to strive, but what are the consequences?

    I am reading more about the prime minister as well, of which I had no idea about his nonchalant attitude and the action he has not taken. No changes in policy, instead economic interests seem to be his priority. That would be beyond maddening. My heart aches for all.

    All the love <3

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