I am magpie

Bronwyn Eather

A fictional character, set in history. A woman, fascinated by the language of this land, yet caught in her dreams. We meet Eliza Collins in the fledgling colony of Sydney in the Spring of 1789. I am Bronwyn Eather, a writer, musician and linguist. I want to share this imagined journey with you through lyrical verse and music. In an age of new ideas, what does enlightenment look like here on the land of the Yura, on the other side of time? Cover graphic by Mark Fairhurst | https://www.facebook.com/mark.fairhurst.127 read less

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I am magpie | Episode 3 (Poems XI – XV)

I am magpie | Episode 3 (Poems XI – XV)

Just as a bird yearns to sing, Eliza needs a way through to the language of the Yura. The winter settles in, and on the horizon come a series of changes that throw focus on despondency all around her.

Episodes

I am magpie | Episode 3 (Poems XI – XV)

I am magpie | Episode 3 (Poems XI – XV)

Just as a bird yearns to sing, Eliza needs a way through to the language of the Yura. The winter settles in, and on the horizon come a series of changes that throw focus on despondency all around her.

I am magpie | Episode 4 (Poems XVI – XIX)

I am magpie | Episode 4 (Poems XVI – XIX)

As Spring arrives in the colony, Eliza gathers her spirit through her morning musings. Her dreams provide no insight to her purpose, yet they do arouse memories. We begin to see what sets Eliza apart.

I am magpie | Episode 5 (Poems XX – XXII)

I am magpie | Episode 5 (Poems XX – XXII)

Eliza sees playfulness in the women, yet there on the headland, her own spirit wavers as shadows resurface. Drained of hope, Eliza faces her failure to embody her vision for a new world.

I am magpie | Episode 6 (Poems XXIII – XXVI)

I am magpie | Episode 6 (Poems XXIII – XXVI)

The women on the headland continue to encourage Eliza, and she finds some grace, humour and renewed purpose. Her dreams evince treasured memories and ghostly spirits.

I am magpie | Episode 7 (Poems XXVII – XXXI)

I am magpie | Episode 7 (Poems XXVII – XXXI)

Eliza grapples for a sense of place, even in her dreams. Beguiled by the sentinel, Eliza finds only emptiness. Still doubting the value of her shadow self, Eliza surrenders to the notebooks.

I am magpie | Episode 8 (Poems XXXII – XXXV)

I am magpie | Episode 8 (Poems XXXII – XXXV)

Eliza’s joy bubbles forth with her study of the notebooks, and her dreams evoke a gentle, yearning spirit. She faces an uncomfortable truth and resolves to yield to newfound insight.

I am magpie | Episode 9 (Poems XXXVI – XXXVIII)

I am magpie | Episode 9 (Poems XXXVI – XXXVIII)

Eliza turns to Meg and begins to share her story. Gradually, the past unfurls in the telling. Her love for Thomas. Her sudden awakening. Her unbounded passion. Her hopes for their future.

I am magpie | Episode 10 (Poems XXXIX – XLII)

I am magpie | Episode 10 (Poems XXXIX – XLII)

The notebooks begin to reveal their mysteries to Eliza. She recalls the day when everything changed. Then that night when she knew she would sail alone. Eliza receives her first talisman.

I am magpie | Episode 11 (Poems XLIII – XLVII)

I am magpie | Episode 11 (Poems XLIII – XLVII)

Stories and memories unfold. Meg encourages Eliza to read from her sea journal and to remember. Tentatively she begins to read, and then to experience her interior journey anew.

I am magpie | Episode 12 (Poems XLVIII – LII)

I am magpie | Episode 12 (Poems XLVIII – LII)

Eliza recalls a secret. Her body alive with child. She reads again of the sea journey’s rituals, and is reminded of her bewilderment. Alone. Apart. A tumble of conflicting emotions.