Where i grew up we didn’t have routine storms. But here – I love the moment when the air changes. There’s a moment of tranquility before the violence. Living close to the coast I can smell the salt. We see the clouds in the distance and we can see it coming. It’s still hot. But it’s the smell, it’s when the smell changes that it’s about the break. It’s thrilling. I feel alive. I like stay out in it. I’m surrounded by tall metal objects so I feel safe. I’ll be the last thing to be hit. And so I can stay out there longer. Most people would think I was insane but i like it.

SCENT

Electrical (with absence of metal), tropical flowers before the change, cool salty southerly winds, wet bark, it’s washed away Sydney’s sweat.

By

Liz Shoostovian