ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

UNWELCOME VISITOR .. Maureen Clifford © The #ScribblyBark Poet

We knew that he was lurking in the shadows of the night
and we weren’t really worried, all prepared to stand and fight
I put a Woolies order in as each fortnight I do
with nothing too over the top – and batteries just a few.

The order was accepted, everything there seemed right -
but bugger me how quickly things seemed to change overnight.
The media was saying that the shops were selling out
of water and loo paper – are they sure? I had to doubt.

Who is this bloke called Alfred? Wish he’d get into the groove
He’s got more moves than Raygun! What the hell’s he trying to prove?
They’re tracking him to try to see which way is his intent
and a Mr Squiggle’s road map would give us less torment.

He dillied and he dallied and he then moved up and down.
All forecasters were guessing as to when he’d come to town.
Meanwhile the Aussie public were quite tiring of his game,
they’d shopped and sandbagged, tidied up and were sick of his name.

‘We’ll turn our fans onto reverse and blow him out the door’
was one suggestion someone made - their rationale was poor.
For Alf then blew power lines away and cross the state did scatter
high winds and rain and misery – we saw things break and shatter.

And then he asked his mates to play – and he coerced the rivers
to join the fun, and share some mud. They helped and all delivered.
But if he thought he had us beat he failed, we’re Queenslanders
and New South Welshmen – strong and tough, not merely bystanders.

We had all prepared for the worst and held hope for the best,
We’ve done the hard yards many times – this just another test.
And yet again we proved it true – together we’re united.
So bugger off Alf, sling your hook – ‘cause mate you weren’t invited.

Hi Maureen

I had concocted what I thought was a pretty good reply, but I was locked out from posting for a while.

I guess it was a bit like being stalked by something that could be dangerous, but when and where would it strike, I liked the way you built it up.
Well, we know where and when now, hope the worst of it missed you.

Cheers

Terry

Nicely done, Maureen, and it gives me a very clear picture of what it must've been like for you, just as your photos on social media have done. I like the truth and attitude in your line "We’ve done the hard yards many times – this is just another test" as well. United in challenges, refusing to be defeated!

Thanks Catherine - in many ways the cyclone itself was a bit of a fizzer in many areas and that's not meant to take anything away from those people who were badly impacted it. I know the Goldie coped a pasting as my own family live there, but here at Ipswich it was barely more than a bad storm - however the after effects IMO are wreaking more havoc across our inland areas now, with widespread flooding and stock losses again. Those poor buggers cop it yet again and many say the worst they have ever seen. Mother Nature is sure having a massive hissy fit and who would blame her

Thanks Terry - being stalked describes my feelings very accurately I can assure you - however, I was one of the lucky ones with no impact felt at all. But I was prepared for the worst I can assure you.

Hi Maureen,
You certainly covered it all well, Alf gave everyone a decent scare for sure.
And now we have to really feel for those in inland QLD and hope that their tenacity can see them through. Heartbreaking stuff!

I seem to have lost the muse at the moment, have had a rough month or so. Hopefully it will return not too far down the track.

Cheers
Ron.

Thanks Ron for your kind words - and I do hope you find that pesky muse of yours soon and that things are getting better for you as well. Overall I think most of us would like to just shelve March altogether - it was a horrible month. Stay strong and put pen to paper again and write all that angst and difficulty down and then throw it away. None of us needs that crap in our lives.