I am magpie

'I am magpie' is a lyric novel that will appeal to those interested in explorations of the enlightened age of the late 1700s, or in Australian historical fiction of the very early colonial years in Sydney and in Indigenous language of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For those engaged in Jungian shadow work, observe Eliza’s struggle through her dreams and her daily endeavour, to integrate various female archetypes on her quest. In Eliza we see the vibrant innocence of puella, the benevolence of mother, the wild passions of lover, the determination of a pioneering spirit and the striving for wisdom echoed in her older friend and neighbour, Meg.

'I am magpie' is a lyric novel of Australian historical fiction set in the very early colonial years in Sydney. This story references the enlightened age of the late 1700s and the Indigenous language of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. Observe Eliza’s struggle through her dreams and her daily endeavour to create a worthy social contract. In Eliza we see the vibrant innocence of the young woman, the benevolence of mother, the wild passions of lover, the determination of a pioneering spirit and the striving for wisdom echoed in her older friend and neighbour, Meg.

Ambient music for warmth and quiet. A time to unfold ... In the calm of morning grey ~ I kiss your sleeping lips ~ and feel you curl against me ~ smiling joy of bright blue day ~ encircled yearning to taste  ~ the build of rainstorm ~ thundering on tin ~ riding bareback and  ~ brazen in the dark ~ we lie in wait ~ to feed our dreams ~ and I hold you ~ I hold you ~ I hold you ~ until we’re unbroken

e  m  e  r  g  i  n  g ~ ~ hearts lift  ~  we breathe   ~  & listen  ~  rhythm of the day  ~  round & round the  ~  beauty of our circling  ~  in & under  ~  over & around  ~  we breathe  ~  & listen  ~  we are that which  ~  we make yet  ~  how we dream  ~  & yearn  ~  for memory  ~  silken threads  ~  shining with desire  ~  we are not our minds  ~  so much more than  ~  our minds we  ~  breathe again  ~  deeply we breathe as  ~  fear trembles in the breeze  ~  light against the shadows lurking  ~  nightbird screaming from the dark  ~  we are not our minds so much  ~  more than our minds we fly  ~  we breathe & listen  ~  moving forward  ~  taking flight  ~  taking pleasure  ~  tasting words &  ~  striving for our needs  ~  we trust dreaming straw  ~  spinning into gold  ~  hearts lift  ~  we breathe  ~  we listen  ~  we breathe &  ~  then we rise

Eliza settles into her future. Back and forth a flow of stories loud or whispered, laughter and song. They watch the glittering constellations and Eliza gives thanks for the salve to her spirit.

Deep shadows rise into the light as Eliza aligns with her purpose and integrates loss and love. She receives her third and final talisman.

Eliza encounters black cockatoo and wedge-tailed eagle, birds of different feathers. With the notebook copying complete, Eliza can finally hear the women’s entreaties and their dark predictions.

As Eliza’s past resolves, here on the other side of time, a dangerous flashpoint ignites and we witness the end of the beginning. Alarmed birdcalls signal revenge and retribution.

Meg consoles Eliza, encouraging her to remember happier times. We learn of Meg’s own loss and shining inner strength. Eliza receives her second talisman.

Dependent and vulnerable, Eliza endures heartbreak. As her vitality returns, so does a reckless fury and her conviction to lay blame solely with Thomas. She turns her grief outwards to the violent storms.