STILL WE REJOICE

[Maureen K Clifford]

Praying that all of our poetry mates are safe - terrible fires down south with 53+ homes lost, and up the top end the rain is pouring down like an out of control fire hydrant and a cyclone is hovering doing the will I /wont I dance.

STILL WE REJOICE … Maureen Clifford © The #ScribblyBark Poet

In my land Christmas Day for some was far from filled with cheer
and nor was it spent lazing for the enemy was near,
we’d no snow covered hills on which to fix our glassy stare
instead our hills were ringed by fire – awe inspiring and there.

Our skies were dark, the sun thick smoke had quite obliterated,
an inky daylight – powerful foe, should not be underrated
for in the time it takes to blink its advanced yet again
and how we all wish that heaven would open and send rain.

Up in the top end off the beaten track it’s raining, raining
and families gathered round television aren’t complaining
because this rain will ease the drought, give them some small respite.
But now they’re horrified to see their southern neighbours plight.

And they’re preparing for the floods they know this rain will bring
it’s either feast or famine here – we’ve all felt nature’s sting.
A cyclone’s brewing off the coast, planning its mystery tour
we know that we will get it but just where we are not sure.

This land is harsh, this land is cruel, only the tough survive
We raise a glass and toast her though – she’s vibrant and alive.
Out there on dark nights, breathe deeply and listen ‘neath dark skies,
a new day starts and kookaburras herald the sunrise.

From ashes we will rise again, from drought and flooding rain.
Adversity won’t stop us we have far too much to gain.
The ANZAC spirit’s in our blood. Land of diversity,
our land abounds in nature’s gifts – Australians are we.

[Neville Briggs]

Maybe Hanrahan was right. I hope the New Year brings some better outlooks, and best wishes to you Maureen.

We will just have to help where we can for those who have lost out in this season of extremes. Jesus ( you remember him, he was a baby yesterday ) taught that we are to care for our neighbour as our self. He made it clear that the neighbour was any person that we encounter along the way.

[Maureen K Clifford]

I think a lot of help is going to be needed Neville - and our insurance premiums are going to skyrocket arouind our great southern land.