Published in Overland Issue 220 Spring 2015 · Uncategorized The linden tree John Tranter I gobbled a round of caerphilly, then Theophily called to me, under the linden tree. Conservatism? Let me count the ways: Morning suits, grey ties, greys in every accoutrement, grey imagery shoaling and fluttering down on me lost in the grey-green park, under a tree perhaps, taking the cool morning air as I lie naked on the grass, bum bare to the gaze of the policeman, a rare infinity of arguments circulating deep within me as the dictates of Theosophy suddenly seem unfair – am I changing my stance, under the linden tree? The work is easy, though the days are tough. Pray awhile, then that’s enough. Sit with me under the forgiving linden tree and just be. ‘The linden tree’ began as a draft using the end-words of ‘Anti-Romantic’ by Marie Ponsot John Tranter John Tranter is an Australian poet, publisher and editor. More by John Tranter › Overland is a not-for-profit magazine with a proud history of supporting writers, and publishing ideas and voices often excluded from other places. If you like this piece, or support Overland’s work in general, please subscribe or donate. Related articles & Essays 15 April 202615 April 2026 · Climate politics The $67 billion climate betrayal: how Australia’s record fossil fuel subsidies fund global destruction Noa Wynn The contradictions aren't failures of implementation. They're the predictable result of a political system that has decided fossil fuel profits matter more than climate stability, more than the Great Barrier Reef, more than Pacific Islander lives, and more than the future habitability of the planet. 13 April 2026 · Disability The proletarianisation of disability support work: workers’ perspectives on the NDIS Nick Crowley Support workers, rather than creating objects, create a caring relationship. The scrupulous observance of organisational policies and ‘best practice’ codes is not sufficient to create such a relationship. This can only be created when workers take the time to understand their clients and build trusting, authentic, equal relationships with them.
