Tuesday Poem: Harvey McQueen & “After the Disaster”
After The Disaster
After the disaster cats mutated
& became the largest mammal left alive –
dominant.
Cirques have cut deeper
into the Matterhorn
(decimals weren’t reinvented)
when their archaeologists stumbled
upon human skeletons
ochre-brown with age.
On display in an art cavern
strung together
with common titanium wire
they create a commotion.
The elevated chief wizard deliberates her theosophers –
issues a viewpoint
Carbane dating establishes grate antiquity
Credence to archeforms of gyants
These things – an evolutionary cul-de-sack
additional proof of Nurture’s
Distinguished Wisdom
Greatly too gygantic
Irrelevant clavicles
Tayl (obviously grystle) long stretch from brayn
Competition most likely cause of destruction.
She announces
Dividend –
For exceptional tripled production –
Day off for druid & artisan multitude
To contemplate the exhibition
& participate
in being humble.
© Harvey McQueen
Published in Voyagers Science Fiction Poetry from New Zealand, Ed. Tim Jones & Mark Pirie, Interactive Press, 2009
I publish this poem today in memory of Harvey, who was a fellow Tuesday Poet. As a writer of science fiction-fantasy, it seemed fitting to choose a science fiction poem—and I also feel that After The Disaster reflects the spirit of gentle irony that characterises Harvey’s writing.
I thank Anne, Harvey’s wife, for permission to reproduce the poem here.
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About Harvey McQueen 1934 – 2010:
Harvey MCQueen published six volumes of poetry. The latest, published by Headworx are Pingandy (1999) and Recessional (2004). His most recent publication was a memoir: This Piece of Earth, Awa Press, 2010. Born in little River, he grew up on Bank’s Peninsular and worked in education until his retirement in 2002. He was well known as an anthologist and was co-editor of the Penguin Book of New Zealand Verse.
Harvey died on Christmas Day 2010 and a public memorial service will be held on Friday 28 January 2011 at Old St Paul’s, Mulgrave Street, Wellington at 11.00 am. In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make a donation to the Harvey McQueen Memorial Fund, to foster children’s appreciation of New Zealand’s birds through Zealandia. Donations may be posted to Zealandia, PO Box 9267, Marion Square, Wellington 6141.
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To read Tuesday Poem Blog curator, Mary McCallum’s tribute to Harvey McQueen on the Tuesday Poem Hub, click here or on the Quill icon in the sidebar. You will also see links to the selections of fellow Tuesday Poets in the sidebar of the Tuesday Poem Blog.
So distracted at the moment – just wanted to say that I thought this was a fantastic post. I didn’t know Harvey except through his posts, but he was a bit of an installation.
Surprised nobody else has commented, it must be January, everyone’s in holiday and list mode. 🙂
I do think a lot of folk are still on holiday and we weren’t/aren’t officially back with the TP until next week, but I did want to post something of Harvey’s to coincide with Mary’s tribute on the Hub—and it’s such a great wee poem, too! Thanks for commenting, Alicia.