The Poet ~ Herman Melville was born 1 August 1819 in New York and passed away 28 September 1891. He was best known for his novels which include the epic tale of Moby Dick, with much of his writing being influenced by his experiences at sea. Although he is celebrated as a literary great now, at the time he released his work, it was met with mixed reviews. He devoted the second half of his life to writing poetry and earned a living as a Customs Inspector.
Our Reader ~ Bruce Vollweiler is a long-serving Clutha District Councillor representing the Bruce ward, known for his dedication to local governance and community wellbeing. First elected in 2001, Bruce served eight consecutive terms before stepping down in 2025, marking over two decades of public service. His tenure witnessed dramatic shifts in council operations - from fax machines to digital overload. Bruce is widely respected for his thoughtful decision-making and institutional memory. He has served on countless boards and committees and is always the first to roll his sleeves up when a job needs doing.
The Maldive Shark
About the Shark, phlegmatical one,
Pale sot of the Maldive sea,
The sleek little pilot-fish, azure and slim,
How alert in attendance be.
From his saw-pit of mouth, from his charnel of maw
They have nothing of harm to dread,
But liquidly glide on his ghastly flank
Or before his Gorgonian head;
Or lurk in the port of serrated teeth
In white triple tiers of glittering gates,
And there find a haven when peril’s abroad,
An asylum in jaws of the Fates!
They are friends; and friendly they guide him to prey,
Yet never partake of the treat—
Eyes and brains to the dotard lethargic and dull,
Pale ravener of horrible meat.