After the disaster cats mutated
\n& became the largest mammal left alive \u2013
\ndominant.<\/p>\n
Cirques have cut deeper
\ninto the Matterhorn
\n(decimals weren\u2019t reinvented)
\nwhen their archaeologists stumbled
\nupon human skeletons
\nochre-brown with age.<\/p>\n
On display in an art cavern
\nstrung together
\nwith common titanium wire
\nthey create a commotion.<\/p>\n
The elevated chief wizard deliberates her theosophers \u2013
\nissues a viewpoint<\/p>\n
Carbane dating establishes grate antiquity
\nCredence to archeforms of gyants
\nThese things \u2013 an evolutionary cul-de-sack
\nadditional proof of Nurture\u2019s
\nDistinguished Wisdom
\nGreatly too gygantic
\nIrrelevant clavicles
\nTayl (obviously grystle) long stretch from brayn
\nCompetition most likely cause of destruction.<\/p>\n
She announces<\/p>\n
Dividend \u2013
\nFor exceptional tripled production \u2013
\nDay off for druid & artisan multitude
\nTo contemplate the exhibition
\n& participate<\/p>\n
in being humble.<\/p>\n
\u00a9 Harvey McQueen 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<\/em> reflects the spirit of gentle irony that characterises Harvey’s writing.<\/p>\n I thank Anne, Harvey’s wife, for permission to reproduce the poem here.<\/p>\n —<\/p>\n About Harvey McQueen 1934 – 2010:<\/strong><\/p>\n Harvey MCQueen published six volumes of poetry. The latest, published by Headworx are Pingandy<\/strong><\/em> (1999) and Recessional<\/strong><\/em> (2004). His most recent publication was a memoir:\u00a0 This Piece of Earth, <\/strong><\/em>Awa Press, 2010.\u00a0 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. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n —<\/p>\n
\nPublished in Voyagers Science Fiction Poetry from New Zealand<\/strong><\/em>, Ed. Tim Jones & Mark Pirie, Interactive Press, 2009<\/p>\n