Immigrant Chronicle by Peter Skrzynecki

1. “Migrant Hostel” annotations Immigrant Chronicle by Peter Skrzynecki

2. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 1 Parkes, 1949-51 No one kept count Of all the comings and goings – Arrivals of newcomers In busloads from the station, Sudden departures from adjoining blocks That left us wondering Who would be coming next.

3. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 1 Context. Establishes place and time-frame. The family was in the Parkes for over two years. Parkes, 1949-51 No one kept count Of all the comings and goings – Arrivals of newcomers In busloads from the station, Sudden departures from adjoining blocks That left us wondering Who would be coming next.

4. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 1 Context. Establishes place and time-frame. The family was in the Parkes for over two years. Parkes, 1949-51 No one kept count Of all the comings and goings – Arrivals of newcomers In busloads from the station, Sudden departures from adjoining blocks That left us wondering Who would be coming next. Suggests there were too many people to keep count of.

5. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 1 Context. Establishes place and time-frame. The family was in the Parkes for over two years. Parkes, 1949-51 No one kept count Of all the comings and goings – Arrivals of newcomers In busloads from the station, Sudden departures from adjoining blocks That left us wondering Who would be coming next. Colloquial language. People constantly arriving and leaving. Indicates that the hostel is busy, but also a place of transition. Suggests there were too many people to keep count of.

6. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 1 Context. Establishes place and time-frame. The family was in the Parkes for over two years. Parkes, 1949-51 No one kept count Of all the comings and goings – Arrivals of newcomers In busloads from the station, Sudden departures from adjoining blocks That left us wondering Who would be coming next. Colloquial language. People constantly arriving and leaving. Indicates that the hostel is busy, but also a place of transition. Suggests there were too many people to keep count of. Punctuation (hyphen). Indicates a pause, but also a connection between ideas.

7. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 1 Context. Establishes place and time-frame. The family was in the Parkes for over two years. Parkes, 1949-51 No one kept count Of all the comings and goings – Arrivals of newcomers In busloads from the station, Sudden departures from adjoining blocks That left us wondering Who would be coming next. Colloquial language. People constantly arriving and leaving. Indicates that the hostel is busy, but also a place of transition. Suggests there were too many people to keep count of. Punctuation (hyphen). Indicates a pause, but also a connection between ideas. Groups of new people arrive. They are anonymous/nameless to Skrzynecki.

8. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 1 Context. Establishes place and time-frame. The family was in the Parkes for over two years. Parkes, 1949-51 No one kept count Of all the comings and goings – Arrivals of newcomers In busloads from the station, Sudden departures from adjoining blocks That left us wondering Who would be coming next. Colloquial language. People constantly arriving and leaving. Indicates that the hostel is busy, but also a place of transition. Suggests there were too many people to keep count of. Punctuation (hyphen). Indicates a pause, but also a connection between ideas. Groups of new people arrive. They are anonymous/nameless to Skrzynecki. New line for “Sudden” to reinforce how quickly people can leave. Reinforces the hostel as a place of transition where no one truly belongs.

9. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 1 Context. Establishes place and time-frame. The family was in the Parkes for over two years. Parkes, 1949-51 No one kept count Of all the comings and goings – Arrivals of newcomers In busloads from the station, Sudden departures from adjoining blocks That left us wondering Who would be coming next. Colloquial language. People constantly arriving and leaving. Indicates that the hostel is busy, but also a place of transition. Suggests there were too many people to keep count of. Punctuation (hyphen). Indicates a pause, but also a connection between ideas. Groups of new people arrive. They are anonymous/nameless to Skrzynecki. Inclusive terms (“us”) suggests some sense of belonging for Skrzynecki with his family. New line for “Sudden” to reinforce how quickly people can leave. Reinforces the hostel as a place of transition where no one truly belongs.

10. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 1 Context. Establishes place and time-frame. The family was in the Parkes for over two years. Parkes, 1949-51 No one kept count Of all the comings and goings – Arrivals of newcomers In busloads from the station, Sudden departures from adjoining blocks That left us wondering Who would be coming next. Colloquial language. People constantly arriving and leaving. Indicates that the hostel is busy, but also a place of transition. Suggests there were too many people to keep count of. Punctuation (hyphen). Indicates a pause, but also a connection between ideas. Groups of new people arrive. They are anonymous/nameless to Skrzynecki. Inclusive terms (“us”) suggests some sense of belonging for Skrzynecki with his family. New line for “Sudden” to reinforce how quickly people can leave. Reinforces the hostel as a place of transition where no one truly belongs. The transitory nature of life in the migrant hostel makes it difficult to form connections with others.

11. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 2 Nationalities sought Each other out instinctively – Like a homing pigeon Circling to get its bearings; Years and place-names Recognised by accents, Partitioned off at night By memories of hunger and hate.

12. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 2 Suggesting that people find a sense of belonging with people of the same culture. This also suggests that a sense of belonging with different cultures was not a priority. Nationalities sought Each other out instinctively – Like a homing pigeon Circling to get its bearings; Years and place-names Recognised by accents, Partitioned off at night By memories of hunger and hate.

13. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 2 Suggesting that people find a sense of belonging with people of the same culture. This also suggests that a sense of belonging with different cultures was not a priority. Suggests that belonging with one’s own kind is a basic human need. We automatically search for a sense of belonging. Nationalities sought Each other out instinctively – Like a homing pigeon Circling to get its bearings; Years and place-names Recognised by accents, Partitioned off at night By memories of hunger and hate.

14. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 2 Suggesting that people find a sense of belonging with people of the same culture. This also suggests that a sense of belonging with different cultures was not a priority. Suggests that belonging with one’s own kind is a basic human need. We automatically search for a sense of belonging. Nationalities sought Each other out instinctively – Like a homing pigeon Circling to get its bearings; Years and place-names Recognised by accents, Partitioned off at night By memories of hunger and hate. Simile. Reinforces that the search for belonging is instinctive.

15. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 2 Suggesting that people find a sense of belonging with people of the same culture. This also suggests that a sense of belonging with different cultures was not a priority. Suggests that belonging with one’s own kind is a basic human need. We automatically search for a sense of belonging. Nationalities sought Each other out instinctively – Like a homing pigeon Circling to get its bearings; Years and place-names Recognised by accents, Partitioned off at night By memories of hunger and hate. Simile. Reinforces that the search for belonging is instinctive. Extending the simile. We find our way by looking for identifiable features of a person/place.

16. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 2 Suggesting that people find a sense of belonging with people of the same culture. This also suggests that a sense of belonging with different cultures was not a priority. Suggests that belonging with one’s own kind is a basic human need. We automatically search for a sense of belonging. Nationalities sought Each other out instinctively – Like a homing pigeon Circling to get its bearings; Years and place-names Recognised by accents, Partitioned off at night By memories of hunger and hate. Simile. Reinforces that the search for belonging is instinctive. Extending the simile. We find our way by looking for identifiable features of a person/place. Listing features that might indicate a possibility for common ground and belonging.

17. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 2 Suggesting that people find a sense of belonging with people of the same culture. This also suggests that a sense of belonging with different cultures was not a priority. Suggests that belonging with one’s own kind is a basic human need. We automatically search for a sense of belonging. Nationalities sought Each other out instinctively – Like a homing pigeon Circling to get its bearings; Years and place-names Recognised by accents, Partitioned off at night By memories of hunger and hate. Simile. Reinforces that the search for belonging is instinctive. Extending the simile. We find our way by looking for identifiable features of a person/place. Listing features that might indicate a possibility for common ground and belonging. Words such as “partition” suggest separation, creating a barrier to belonging with different cultural groups.

18. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 2 Suggesting that people find a sense of belonging with people of the same culture. This also suggests that a sense of belonging with different cultures was not a priority. Suggests that belonging with one’s own kind is a basic human need. We automatically search for a sense of belonging. Nationalities sought Each other out instinctively – Like a homing pigeon Circling to get its bearings; Years and place-names Recognised by accents, Partitioned off at night By memories of hunger and hate. Simile. Reinforces that the search for belonging is instinctive. Extending the simile. We find our way by looking for identifiable features of a person/place. Listing features that might indicate a possibility for common ground and belonging. Words such as “partition” suggest separation, creating a barrier to belonging with different cultural groups. Alliteration. The h sound is harsh and evokes the harshness of wartime experiences and prejudices.

19. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 2 Suggesting that people find a sense of belonging with people of the same culture. This also suggests that a sense of belonging with different cultures was not a priority. Suggests that belonging with one’s own kind is a basic human need. We automatically search for a sense of belonging. Nationalities sought Each other out instinctively – Like a homing pigeon Circling to get its bearings; Years and place-names Recognised by accents, Partitioned off at night By memories of hunger and hate. Simile. Reinforces that the search for belonging is instinctive. Extending the simile. We find our way by looking for identifiable features of a person/place. Listing features that might indicate a possibility for common ground and belonging. Metaphor. Hunger and hate create almost physical barriers for belonging. Words such as “partition” suggest separation, creating a barrier to belonging with different cultural groups. Alliteration. The h sound is harsh and evokes the harshness of wartime experiences and prejudices.

20. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 3 For over two years We lived like birds of passage – Always sensing a change In the weather: Unaware of the season Whose track we would follow.

21. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 3 Weary tone. Suggests there has been little progress in two years. For over two years We lived like birds of passage – Always sensing a change In the weather: Unaware of the season Whose track we would follow.

22. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 3 Weary tone. Suggests there has been little progress in two years. For over two years We lived like birds of passage – Always sensing a change In the weather: Unaware of the season Whose track we would follow. Simile. Suggests the Skrzyneckis are stuck in a situation out of their control. Birds travelling towards a destination. No sense of belonging in a state of transition. The recurrence of the birds in this poem creates a motif.

23. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 3 Weary tone. Suggests there has been little progress in two years. For over two years We lived like birds of passage – Always sensing a change In the weather: Unaware of the season Whose track we would follow. Hyphen. Indicates a pause to link ideas. Explaining why the Skrzyneckis are “like birds of passage” Simile. Suggests the Skrzyneckis are stuck in a situation out of their control. Birds travelling towards a destination. No sense of belonging in a state of transition. The recurrence of the birds in this poem creates a motif.

24. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 3 Weary tone. Suggests there has been little progress in two years. For over two years We lived like birds of passage – Always sensing a change In the weather: Unaware of the season Whose track we would follow. Hyphen. Indicates a pause to link ideas. Explaining why the Skrzyneckis are “like birds of passage” Simile. Suggests the Skrzyneckis are stuck in a situation out of their control. Birds travelling towards a destination. No sense of belonging in a state of transition. The recurrence of the birds in this poem creates a motif. The migrants can feel change, but have no control or understanding of it. Suggesting an isolation from the decision-making process.

25. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 3 Weary tone. Suggests there has been little progress in two years. For over two years We lived like birds of passage – Always sensing a change In the weather: Unaware of the season Whose track we would follow. Hyphen. Indicates a pause to link ideas. Explaining why the Skrzyneckis are “like birds of passage” Simile. Suggests the Skrzyneckis are stuck in a situation out of their control. Birds travelling towards a destination. No sense of belonging in a state of transition. The recurrence of the birds in this poem creates a motif. The migrants can feel change, but have no control or understanding of it. Suggesting an isolation from the decision-making process. Metaphor. Suggests isolation from the rest of the world. No sense of control over events and their own ability to belong.

26. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 4 A barrier at the main gate Sealed off the highway From our doorstep – As it rose and fell like a finger Pointed in reprimand or shame; And daily we passed Underneath or alongside it – Needing its sanction To pass in and out of lives That had only begun Or were dying.

27. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 4 Imagery. Image of a physical barrier to prevent migrants from having their own place in Australia. A barrier at the main gate Sealed off the highway From our doorstep – As it rose and fell like a finger Pointed in reprimand or shame; And daily we passed Underneath or alongside it – Needing its sanction To pass in and out of lives That had only begun Or were dying.

28. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 4 Imagery. Image of a physical barrier to prevent migrants from having their own place in Australia. Suggests that passing between the hostel and the rest of Australia is difficult. A barrier at the main gate Sealed off the highway From our doorstep – As it rose and fell like a finger Pointed in reprimand or shame; And daily we passed Underneath or alongside it – Needing its sanction To pass in and out of lives That had only begun Or were dying.

29. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 4 Imagery. Image of a physical barrier to prevent migrants from having their own place in Australia. Suggests that passing between the hostel and the rest of Australia is difficult. A barrier at the main gate Sealed off the highway From our doorstep – As it rose and fell like a finger Pointed in reprimand or shame; And daily we passed Underneath or alongside it – Needing its sanction To pass in and out of lives That had only begun Or were dying. Simile. Reinforces the image of the barrier rising and falling to allow certain people through.

30. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 4 Imagery. Image of a physical barrier to prevent migrants from having their own place in Australia. Suggests that passing between the hostel and the rest of Australia is difficult. A barrier at the main gate Sealed off the highway From our doorstep – As it rose and fell like a finger Pointed in reprimand or shame; And daily we passed Underneath or alongside it – Needing its sanction To pass in and out of lives That had only begun Or were dying. Simile. Reinforces the image of the barrier rising and falling to allow certain people through. Personification. The barrier takes on the attributes of a judge. This helps to transform the barrier into a symbol of not belonging.

31. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 4 Imagery. Image of a physical barrier to prevent migrants from having their own place in Australia. Suggests that passing between the hostel and the rest of Australia is difficult. A barrier at the main gate Sealed off the highway From our doorstep – As it rose and fell like a finger Pointed in reprimand or shame; And daily we passed Underneath or alongside it – Needing its sanction To pass in and out of lives That had only begun Or were dying. Simile. Reinforces the image of the barrier rising and falling to allow certain people through. Personification. The barrier takes on the attributes of a judge. This helps to transform the barrier into a symbol of not belonging. “Daily” indicates routine. This also reinforces the regular feeling of being isolated and not belonging.

32. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 4 Imagery. Image of a physical barrier to prevent migrants from having their own place in Australia. Suggests that passing between the hostel and the rest of Australia is difficult. A barrier at the main gate Sealed off the highway From our doorstep – As it rose and fell like a finger Pointed in reprimand or shame; And daily we passed Underneath or alongside it – Needing its sanction To pass in and out of lives That had only begun Or were dying. Simile. Reinforces the image of the barrier rising and falling to allow certain people through. Personification. The barrier takes on the attributes of a judge. This helps to transform the barrier into a symbol of not belonging. “Daily” indicates routine. This also reinforces the regular feeling of being isolated and not belonging. Personification/Metaphor. The family feel as though they need the barrier’s permission to pass through.

33. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 4 Imagery. Image of a physical barrier to prevent migrants from having their own place in Australia. Suggests that passing between the hostel and the rest of Australia is difficult. A barrier at the main gate Sealed off the highway From our doorstep – As it rose and fell like a finger Pointed in reprimand or shame; And daily we passed Underneath or alongside it – Needing its sanction To pass in and out of lives That had only begun Or were dying. Simile. Reinforces the image of the barrier rising and falling to allow certain people through. Personification. The barrier takes on the attributes of a judge. This helps to transform the barrier into a symbol of not belonging. “Daily” indicates routine. This also reinforces the regular feeling of being isolated and not belonging. Suggests transience/the temporary nature of their stay at the hostel Personification/Metaphor. The family feel as though they need the barrier’s permission to pass through.

34. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 4 Imagery. Image of a physical barrier to prevent migrants from having their own place in Australia. Suggests that passing between the hostel and the rest of Australia is difficult. A barrier at the main gate Sealed off the highway From our doorstep – As it rose and fell like a finger Pointed in reprimand or shame; And daily we passed Underneath or alongside it – Needing its sanction To pass in and out of lives That had only begun Or were dying. Simile. Reinforces the image of the barrier rising and falling to allow certain people through. Personification. The barrier takes on the attributes of a judge. This helps to transform the barrier into a symbol of not belonging. “Daily” indicates routine. This also reinforces the regular feeling of being isolated and not belonging. Suggests transience/the temporary nature of their stay at the hostel Personification/Metaphor. The family feel as though they need the barrier’s permission to pass through. Metaphor. Is coming to Australia a beginning or an end in terms of finding somewhere to belong?

35. “Migrant Hostel” Stanza 4 Imagery. Image of a physical barrier to prevent migrants from having their own place in Australia. Suggests that passing between the hostel and the rest of Australia is difficult. A barrier at the main gate Sealed off the highway From our doorstep – As it rose and fell like a finger Pointed in reprimand or shame; And daily we passed Underneath or alongside it – Needing its sanction To pass in and out of lives That had only begun Or were dying. Simile. Reinforces the image of the barrier rising and falling to allow certain people through. Personification. The barrier takes on the attributes of a judge. This helps to transform the barrier into a symbol of not belonging. “Daily” indicates routine. This also reinforces the regular feeling of being isolated and not belonging. Suggests transience/the temporary nature of their stay at the hostel Personification/Metaphor. The family feel as though they need the barrier’s permission to pass through. Metaphor. Is coming to Australia a beginning or an end in terms of finding somewhere to belong? Emotive language. Suggesting uncertainty about the future and how the family will find a sense of belonging.