Thursday 25 December 2014

Clear and Present Danger

The native garden here in Oz
Is a mass of crisp brown leaves because
The pernicious sun dries up their veins
And they can’t survive without the rains.

As summer often means a drought
With Northern winds that bring about
A murmur in the peel-bark trees
Suburban yards are full of leaves.

A daily chore - these leaves sun-kissed
Present a lethal fire risk
A chance spark on a windy day
And a wall of flame may come your way!

A total fire ban is in force
Until the summer’s run its course
The haunting beauty of the Hills
Has a darker side – as fire kills.

(c) Poet in the woods 2014


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