This debut collection of poetry explores the threads and gaps in family and national story - both oral and archival - to connect multiple generations of migration, separation, adoption, secrecy and reunion. The poems connect seemingly distant times and places - from slave plantations in North America, to the rookeries of London, a bend in the Nepean River and a street corner in The Rocks - and pay homage to other poets communing with 'archival women', including Jeanine Leanne, Natalie Harkin, Elfie Shiosaki and M. NourbeSe Philip.