NULLARBOR

[Maureen K Clifford]

NULLARBOR
Maureen Clifford © The Scribbly Bark Poet

There is a road not previously travelled
along the edge of the Nullarbor
where tall cliffs overlook the Southern Ocean
and limestone plains
slumber beneath blue skies -
Yalata land.

Fur seals dot the rocky shores below –
today the ocean moves
like oiled silk caressing the shore.
Gulls hover – weightless
on long distance winds.

The smoke from the fire
reminds me of burning fallen leaves
on a bonfire far from here.
Here there are no falling leaves,
just Nullarbor –
the vast treeless plain.

Now is the time
to enjoy the autumn sunset
in this rainbow nation
Tomorrow the ninety mile straight beckons –
it is the road I must take.
It is the only road, the Eyre Highway –
and it is long.