AustLit

'Sap-covered red gums rise from the sandstone; chunky, rusted iron branches twist into a blur of timber. In the gaps, to the east, is the void of the Pacific Ocean — the sunlight sparkles like rare jewels on its still, blue surface. Giant Gymea lillies sprout from the earth like a water-fountain frozen green in time, many with their vivid red flowers in bloom. Vines and ferns create a tapestry of vegetation as complex as a fine Persian rug.' 

 (Publication abstract)

'When I was young, all the power lines were taken down in my neighbourhood. They were buried in the ground; they say this is safer. When I go for walks at night, I try to find streets where the power lines still hang in the air.' (Publication abstract)

'Everything is melting. I'm on my bike, circling around the court before it gets too hot and Mum yells out the front window. "Come in, you'll get burnt!" Waves of dry heat bounce off the asphalt. The clouds are smoke. Nobody is allowed to water their gardens, so the lawns have become straw, full of thistles and burrs. Mum's flowers turn from purple to faded pink to brown and then they shrivel up, crispy, and fall into the dirt.' (Publication abstract)