A LONG TIME BETWEEN DRINKS

[Maureen K Clifford]

A LONG TIME BETWEEN DRINKS





One could taste the heat – smell the summer rain
see the grey storm clouds drifting ‘cross the plain,
willy willy whirled red dust way up high
but there was no rain. Not here.

One could taste the heat, and stand catching flies
as they clustered thick around lips and eyes.
The Aussie salute was quite often seen
when you worked round sheep and steer.

Stock could scent the rain on the heated air
but the creeks were dry, and the soaks were spare.
Sheep walking in circles searched for grain.
Hungry animals – persevere.

One could taste the heat on the breathless air
as the storm shed rain – but it seems elsewhere.
Mirages appeared on the roads again.
but no water cool and clear.

Then across the field’s a loud thunderous crack.
Feisty breeze whips in, storm is coming back,
now the first drop drips on the dusty track.
Seems at last the rain is near.

Maureen Clifford © 08/11