Fluorescent Floral Nostalgia, Tropical Frangipani
By Vivian, Year 9
Summer is approaching again.
Long days of heat and sun ahead of us.
One summer we went to Newcastle.
My family and I were going for a little night walk by the beach. The sea-salt air stung my nose as I followed down a windy path near the cliffs. The soft breeze ruffled my hair and rustled the leaves on the trees. The moon was high, gliding a silvery light towards a humongous tree. It was covered with dozens of sweet frangipani flowers, captivating me in the fresh aroma. I grabbed a flower that had descended from its stem and inhaled the floral scent.
I immediately was teleported to the riverside, with the sweet fresh water, and the buzzing of animals. Beside the river, rows and rows of wildflowers engulfed me in their multicoloured beauty.
I touched the soft petals of the frangipani, its smooth surface glides across my thumb-pad and the pollen stains my nails. Whoosh! I am transported back to the tree by the cliffs. The stars blink down at me. I hear laughter behind me. My family has caught up. In my mother’s hardworking hands is a good old Woolies bag.
Short and Suite
This story, Fluorescent Floral Nostalgia, Tropical Frangipani by Vivian, is from Short and Suite. In this workshop series, students create short pieces of prose poetry inspired by mentors texts from Australia, and across time and place. These workshops are an excellent introduction to the form of prose poetry. Students experiment with the fluidity of this form in a way that is accessible and fun. This series is designed and suited for students who may be struggling to engage in writing.