Thursday, 21 December 2023

View from the Antipodes

Back in Australia one more time

I customize my ears to Strine

Whose words truncated and locution

Lead to amusement and confusion.

 

With floods near Cairns, “Mud Armies” strive

To pick up goods left at kerbside

As sofas, fridges, tableware

Are damaged far beyond repair!

 

Down in New South Wales, it’s worse

Incipient bushfires are a curse

Roads are blocked by walls of flame

But Acts of God no one can blame.

 

Rescue teams are activated

Insurance agents inundated

Claims for compensation rise

While each gallant neighbour tries

 

To lend a hand in time of need

But power cuts fast work impede;

The festive spirit starts to fray

As well-wrapped gifts are washed away…

 

Economic downturn in NT*

Sees empty shops in CBD**

As leases fail to be renewed

Given high costs now for food.

 

But world focus stays on Middle East

With hope for fragile Yuletide peace

While in the Gaza Strip more die

Under drone and rocket sky…


(c) Poet in the woods 2023




*    In Darwin

** Central Business District

 

No comments:

Post a Comment