Prior to Floris's Arrival

Prior to Floris's Arrival

In the peaceful west bay of Saint Ninian's, the scene unfolds with a serene beauty. The sand is smooth and grey, adorned with white shells that bear witness to the lives of countless cockles. The sky above is bright, with a low disc of sun shining through cool, ruffled grey clouds.

Nearby, a heron stands upright in the flat water of the bay, a long and shy figure in this picturesque setting. Purple knapweed and creamy meadowsweet bloom nearby, adding splashes of colour to the scene. Gulls, once considered noble and suggestive of hermits rather than beggars, soar overhead.

The tranquil sea, if present, is not mentioned as being turbulent or rough. Instead, it provides a mirror-like reflection of the sky, adding to the calm and peaceful atmosphere.

Over a stone wall, lush grass homes a pale universe of clover stars, a sight that attracts moths who feed on their beauty. As dusk begins to win, the scene starts to turn back, marking the end of another day.

This poetic description is taken from Mandy Shunnarah's debut collection, We Had Mansions, which delves into themes of identity, history, and loss through a deeply personal lens. The poem "ars poetica of partridges and palestine" connects the precarious situation of Palestinians with the endangered partridge species, symbolising fragility and disappearance.

Shunnarah uses this metaphor to weave together their intersectional identity as a queer Palestinian Appalachian person, the fragmentation caused by family separation, and the displacement of their ancestors in Palestine. The connection with Palestine at the end of this poetic description is twofold: first, it is a direct metaphor linking the endangered partridge species to the precarious situation of Palestinians, whose history and presence are similarly threatened and diminished. Second, it reflects Shunnarah's personal and familial history tied to Palestine, capturing the impact of displacement and the struggle to reclaim identity and heritage amidst personal and political turmoil.

Thus, the poem is simultaneously a personal narrative of reconnection and a broader symbol of Palestinian resilience and loss. The ending highlights how Palestinian identity and history remain inseparable from the poet’s sense of self and creative expression.

In this poetic depiction, the tranquil lifestyle by the west bay of Saint Ninian's offers a serene setting, ideal for travelers seeking peace and natural beauty. The poet, Mandy Shunnarah, incorporates travel imagery in their debut collection, We Had Mansions, as they delve into themes of identity, history, and loss, highlighting their personal experiences and the precarious state of Palestine.

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