Homework W/E 30/7/18 Farewell Old Mate, Farewell

[Terry]

Farewell Old Mate, Farwell

A crimson glow still paints the sky along the western track,
and dusk had spread it’s hazy veil throughout the vast outback.
Our campfire casts a warming glow as eerie shadows dance,
and darkness hides the barren scene found in this great expanse.

Hushed voices talk about a mate whose spirit we’d set free,
from high up on this breakaway – a place he’d wish to be.
We’d made a solemn promise when he knew his time was near,
to spread his ashes out across this land he loved so dear.

A gentle breeze had seen his ashes scattered far and wide,
then faded as the sun had set until at last it died.
We’d looked across the harsh landscape that seemed to cry for rain,
Yet he had loved this rugged land – at last he’s home again.

We’d headed back to camp; there still was one more thing to do,
to carry out our promise to a mate we just called Blue.
A distant curlew started up a far off mournful dirge,
that echoed through the silence and across the stony verge.

We opened up the beer with care as not to be too soon,
then drank his health as promised with the rising of the moon.
A creepy sort of feeling drifted through our rough bush shed,
the night grew still - The Curlew ceased its wailing for the dead.


© T. E. Piggott

[Maureen K Clifford]

Love the atmosphere this poem generates Terry - excellent write and a great use made of the prompts as well. Well done you

[Shelley Hansen]

Another vivid outback word picture, Terry! You are good at it!

[Terry]

Thanks Maureen & Shelley

It's based very loosely on a true story, but to be honest it is a bit rushed,
I've been quite busy.

Cheers Terry

[Neville Briggs]

Good on you Terry. Too many goodbyes at this time of life.

[Catherine Lee]

We are on exactly the same page with subject matter this time around Terry, as you will soon see!

In the meantime, I love this poem. It is written beautifully, with wonderful atmosphere and clear imagery as usual - you have such a gift for this. Plus it has the added poignancy of being based on a true story....and it certainly doesn't read as if it's been written quickly!

[Terry]

Thanks Catherine

I just might have another go at this one sometime in the future.

Cheers Terry