Australia Poetry Magazine –

"Grand Design" by Michelle Brown

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Title image shows a nightime view the Sydney Opera House.

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Janaury 15th, 2026

Australia Poetry Contest #3 – First Place

Grand Design

by Michelle Brown

Nautilus shells, spiralling, golden mean
Architecture's mimetic search for the perfect arc
Flowers build sequences, truth not fully seen
Tree branches echo spirals, clad in ancient bark

Materials found – saved from burial in the land
Builder finds gold in gymnasium boards for floors
Bespoke features recycled, polished by hand
Wooden timbers from sea going barques – frame doors.

Picture windows, charcoal steel frames – reveals view,
Tree branches sing their song, light dances in shadow play,
Invitation to thrive in structures holding all that is true.
Found objects whisper, time slipping past into today.

Nature's spirals, harmonious centre – beauty drawn from the clay
Shells, bleeding ammolite tears, Nature lost in decay.


About the Poet
Michelle Brown resides in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Read the poet's biography and Wax Poetry and Art publications on Michelle Brown's Artist Page.

This poem is also featured in Comet #7, published in the Wax Poetry and Art Library.

Keywords: connections, time, beauty

Previously published in Australia Poetry Magazine:
Spirit
by Cheryl Vaughan

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