July 1954 School Magazine

Bris·bane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

fuly, 1954

Tuly, 1954

BriEbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

each sizing up the other. As they were evenly matched in size, stature and bravery, this would be a battle to the death, winner take all . The black arched his fine neck, glistening in the sunlight , and stepped out proudly. The herd remained still, hushed and expectant. Even the in- experienced fcals fell silent, fearful of the unknown, yet curious . They would remember this always. A battle between the leader and an ambitious colt, seeking rulership of the herd, is quite a different thing from a battle between two leaders , between kings. They circled around a few times until, at last, the appaloosa ceased this circular movement and stood still, four hoofs planted firmly. Swift as a python the black darted in, hoofs flying, teeth prepared to mete out a death-giving bite as they sought a vulnerable spot. This went on for some time until , at one of the black's attacks, the appaloosa was not fast enough. The teeth of the black connected with his shoulder, and when the triumphant black drew back, he left his mark on his rival. The red badge of courage, the warm blood, marked them both. With one desperate blow, the black caused the appaloosa to fall to the ground, breathing his last. After the black had departed with both herds, a cougar, his long wait behind the rocks rewarded, slunk forward . Vultures, too, had waited, know- ing the outcome of the battle. With a warning growl for the vultures, the cougar commenced to tear at the flesh. When they had finished, only the bones and dark red blood on the ground remained to tell the story of the "Great Fig,ht." Deirdre Crompton, Form IV. A. WHO DUN IT? The vicar recoiled in horror as he almost tripped on the ugly thing lying athwart the path. IT lay there, a symbol of something evil. As his trembling hands rolled it over, he saw the broken neck and saturated, flimsy wrap. Nervously, he glanced up and down the path, at a loss to know what he could do. What should he do ?-inform the local constable, or try to solve this wicked deed himself? Shiveringly, he decided on the latter course; carefully, he dragged IT behind a thick bush, and covered it partly with some branches. Quiveringly, he smoothed his sparse, grey hair, adjusted his spectacles, and hurried down the path. His throbbing mind dwelt on the details of his terrible find. Was it the work of some poacher who had since fled the village, or could it be that one of his beloved villagers could have descended so low as to commit such a terrible sin. Oh, horrible thought ! "What can I do ? What can I do?" he thought. But back along the path IT seemed to leer defiance at him, scorning him for his puny attempts to sCJlve the evil deed. There IT lay, a broken cider bottle, wrapped in sodden newspaper. A.B., VI.

GRECIAN MEMOIRS. On a bleak wintery morning, after a delightful trip from Brindisi and the beautiful Ionian Islands, the "s.s. Angelica" crept slowly into the waterfront of Port Piraeus. As I wandered on deck catching my first glimpse& of the port, I realised what the consequences of total warfare msant to such a small nation. The bombed buildings tattooed with bullet holes of partisan warfare and the black dresses of so many women, more than emphasized the grief of the people. A year was sufficient for me to learn much about Greece. I found that unemployment was great and that the cost of living was very high. The price of an egg was equivalent .to l/6 Australian money, while butter was four times the price in Aus- tralia. Clothing was expensive but entertainment was com- partively cheap. The cultural standard in the cities was high, and Opera and Theatre houses were always packed. Often the National Theatre would play Shakespeare in Modern Greek. Taverns are many and in the country they provide for the poor man's entertainment. Greeks are obviously conscious of their great heritage and attend to the preservation of ancient monuments with great care. In particular I recall the beautiful archaic sites of Olympia and Delphi and also the majestic Parthenon on the Acropolis. This famous ruin silhouetted aga'nst the Mediterranean blue sky is best seen at sunri2e and at night when it is sometimes flooded by illumination. Greece is not a land of wealth as war and earthquakes have prevented her from becoming so, but she possesses a natural beauty that enchants every tourist. Her people strive to be happy with the little they have and although they have suffered much, they still have the courage to look forward to a brighter future. Helen Samios, Form IV A. "A GREAT FIGHT." Nostrils quivering, scenting the air, the great black stallion stiffened, all senses alert. His herd, mares, stallions and foals, halted immediately. Their lsader had sensed danger. Meanwhile, another paused, the fine ears on the aristocratic head twitch- ing, alert for the slightest sound. Here was another stallion, king in his own right, an exact counterpart of the former, except in colouring. The latter was an appaloosa, a dusty cream, with dark brown marks on rump and shoulder. The two advanced to meet each other, preparatory for battle, as generals from the ranks . Tails erect, manes stiff, eyes dilated, they advanced cautiously 26

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