Lines composed on Budget Day as Australia starts saving up for our new nuclear-powered fleet.

The ocean is restless tonight.

Is that the boom from cliffs at Dover Heights, With their surf unheeding? Or melancholy, long, withdrawing roar Of empire, receding? Once, a fleeing General came ashore; Took charge, returned as pledged, but then hove to; Now wants us to gang up on you-know-who. So should we keep old allyship afloat? And must we really buy those bloody boats?

Here on Burning Deck, weve met disaster Upon disaster: Nam, Afghan, Iraq. When triumph comes, well treat that impostor Just the same. (Shout, wont you, when one embarks). The menace and caress of waves obscure A plot to dominate, submersible. A wise philosopher once wrote that power Is most effective when least visible.

What kind of country do we want to be? Broke, broke, broke on thy cold grey steel, O Sea? Cant afford rent freeze, pixie dust of youth? Same with decent public welfare, or health? So this must be democracy by stealth Where sands of hope are washed away, like truth.

I must go down to the sea again, To the lonely shore and sky; I left my preconceptions there, I wonder if theyre dry?

Have we not moved on from Federation? Equality of man did not apply To China, Barton said. Maturation Has surely brought a broader view. So why Do we still seem so readily beguiled By headlines sensationalist and wild? Subs were never voted on in Caucus, It appears. No wonder tides of contest Are running high with clear call, and raucous. So lets all go, and join the peace protest.

Are we to be convinced were under threat? Think-tanks chivvy us to believe their lies. An arms-trade-funded study? Quelle surprise! It recommends we buy more fighting kit. Some might even be manufactured here. (A Labor PM who marches with gays, Pushing back a repressive old frontier, Must also bring jobs to support old ways).

To cry for calm, amid confused alarms Of struggle and flight, gets you called nave, With multi-billions staked on taking arms And advantage in hi-tech make-believe. Pick sides, and one must win, the other lose. Instead, sum a whole greater than the parts Work together, create a common boost: Make an enemy? No, be counterparts.

We may now be choosing how our own story ends. So think:

Do we swim together, or sink? The ship we need is not of fools, but friends.