Opening Comments: This pic is of Port Phillip Bay from the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia. The rough, narrow entrance to the area from Bass Strait is known as The Rip. Ships heading to Melbourne need to navigate the Bay carefully because there are many shallow areas. Often ships come very close to shore and then sail back into the centre of the Bay again. At the moment, the government is pushing ahead with channel deepening so bigger ships may navigate the waters with more ease. This action has met with huge opposition from the general public. When the dredge ship Queen of the Netherlands begins its murky work, a host of protestors take to boats trying to hamper its efforts. Many fear all manner of marine life are threatened. Many roads around the Peninsula have signs in protest against the dredging.~
In the swirling mists of a bay dawn
The Spirit of Tasmania drifts regally into Station Pier
Loaded with expectant tourists
Pouring over the railings
Longing for first glimpses
Of Melbourne
Rising on the coastline
~
There’s a small glow of cream and white walls
Reflecting the growing sunlight ~
The odd palm or two
Strangely etching
A kind of protest on
The ribbon of
Relentless
Seaside roadway
~
But the odd dolphin
Usually dancing a greeting
Through peaceful blue waters
Is nowhere to be seen
In the swirling
Murky mists
Of rising mud
~
