Priya Kahlon, Australia
Sea shimmering with the gold of the sun
Hands cupped at the ready
For the shells washed to the shore
There is a new kind of flora
One less malleable
Though still most likely to endure
Intertwined with the seaweed
Making its place amongst the sand
Sticking out like a garish cousin
Its origins are varied
From the factory down the road
To the restaurant doing a 2-for-1 special
Each one now calling this space between the sun and sand home
Standing proudly
Waiting to be collected
By eager hands exploring the surf
Looking for treasure
A memento of their time
To be displayed on bedside tables
Adorned atop bookshelves
Or soon forgotten, awaiting new homes
Born and raised in Perth, Priya Kahlon is an Indian Australian poet who was selected to be part of the Indian Ocean mentorship program for emerging writers. Balancing a career in law, Kahlon's poetry explores the ideas of identity, belonging and the use of language to break free from the structures and expectations of modern society.
