ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

NGAMURR … Daughter
Maureen Clifford © The Scribbbly Bark Poet



Warmly wrapped in a skin of soft grey muthay fur
to keep out the chill of the night
she sat high above the western flood plains
illuminated by the star light.
She watched as the sun peeking over the hills
gave the earth an awakening kiss,
though the weak sun on snow would not yet bring a thaw
she’d seen days far colder than this.

The grey smoke from her fire weaved a wavering plume
that escaped through the cave’s open mouth
and she heard with much joy the Kookaburra’s song
as it called in the sun. From the south
came a breeze, a mere touch on her cheek
that was scented with wattle and box.
The ironbark in her fire slowly crackled, burnt hot
from nearby came the cough of a fox.

On the smoke blackened walls of the cave where she sat
ochred outlines of hands stood out bright.
The art of the ancient ones wafted and moved
though that could be a trick of the light.
If these walls could talk what a story they’d tell,
secrets guarded by one lone she-oak
who protected their portals from strangers and foes;
not the girl in the muthay fur cloak.

Wow! That is certainly a different perspective Maureen. Very evocative!

Cheers, Shelley

I agree - fabulous poem Maureen. You are so prolific, and always manage to create such an atmosphere with your clear imagery.

Thank you ladies - not hard when you write about something you feel an affinity to. I loved that area of Queenslands border country - it has such a rich history.

That's what home works about I guess, trying different approaches.
There's so many things to write about and you certainly have a go at lots of them Maureen.
Well done Maureen.

Terry