Published in Overland Issue 224 Spring 2016 · Uncategorized The tenets or tenants of Sweeney John Kinsella for MH And so … to rouse a whip, coral or corral or currach like coracle branded hide singed hair no modifier no not really to live by said decisive akubra mirage weaving tufts caught by spinifex bluebush bash- grab influence as testament of flaying, clothes-hanger slaughter-hook made allowances for under the Act. Tenancy is much more than tendency, to round up a leisurely quote, a jerk of conscience wavering towards some other matter, a duty, a flippancy, a soak. And so … farmer, occupant, dishes out the what’s what, signature chastisement as boy mimics father remade in bush fire-brigade imagery. Burnings. Roo-shoot spotlight. Cyclops. Down in the valley they rove. Such holdings. Little give-aways. Persona of compass, here’s a navigator. John Kinsella John Kinsella’s most recent poetry books include the verse novel Cellnight (Transit Lounge, 2023), The Argonautica Inlandica (Vagabond, 2023), and the three volumes of his collected poems: The Ascension of Sheep (UWAP, 2022), Harsh Hakea (UWAP, 2023) and Spirals (UWAP, 2024). A recent critical book is Legibility: An Antifascist Poetics (Palgrave, 2022). His new book of poetry is Ghost of Myself (UQP, 2025). More by John Kinsella › 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 24 April 202624 April 2026 · Friday Poetry A slam dunk publication Michael Farrell Australians said, landed among manatees, did useful, / neatnesses, knitted, pleasingly. Spared liaisons, amassed, / mortal dangers, unforeseen, nor kids, prayed aloud. 1 23 April 202623 April 2026 · The media The importance of democratic frequencies: on the threatened closure of 2SER Daz Chandler 2SER operates not just as a broadcaster, but as an incubator of democratic culture, its alumni carrying forward practices shaped by collaboration, dissent and accountability to community.