LOST

[Maureen K Clifford]

LOST ... Maureen Clifford The #ScribblyBarkPoet

They had headed for the water in a race against the flames,
but the flames were fierce and fast and soon outstripped them.
They could feel their soft fur singing whilst they felt terrible pain
as tender skin burned on their feet and the fierce heat from the flame
made them whimper from the hurting - as their whole world turned insane
then they fell into the safety of the water.

All around them grass erupted into a hot sheet of fire
and the sky above was coloured brilliant orange.
As they sheltered in the water other animals came through
a young mother with her joey, plus an old red kangaroo
who had seen fire once before and still recalled what best to do.
A waddling wombat, ponderous and sorry.

Two Echidnas, spines erects were hurrying and scurrying,
a huge Goanna came a running at full pelt.
The water was their safety net - they all sought its cool embrace,
so many didn't make it, the flames were winning this race
old animosity forgotten - all sought shelter in this place,
but alas the old Koala didn't make it.

For the fires had burnt his airways, and the shock had stopped his heart,
whilst his burning paws were leaking bodily fluids.
And the coolness of the water was an added shock it seems
to a heart already stricken by Mother Nature's extremes
and he passed beneath the smoke filled sky, no bright stars or moonbeams
were witness to the Koala's last struggle.

His mate looked on in horror, deeply distressed she appeared,
as the flickering flames moved onwards in their quest.
her grey head she bowed in sorrow, tucked her injured paws in fur
that was dampened from the water that thank God at least spared her
till a rescuer approached and offered help she'd not demur
but she reached out one last time towards her mate.

These bush fires were not selective, thousands engulfed in their maw
be it man or beast or flora - infrastructure.
Degradation left behind them, ruined lives and shattered dreams
whilst the whole world watched in horror at the never ending streams
of smoke and media coverage was reviewed on TV screens
but some felt loss more deeply than others.

17.1.2020

[Neville Briggs]

It's a tragic story Maureen. I wonder if the fires cleaned out any foxes and feral cats, they probably got away.

[Duncan Williams]

very nice story maureen. well enjoyed.
cheers. Duncan.

[Maureen K Clifford]

I doubt we will ever know the real toll on our wildlife Neville

[Maureen K Clifford]

Thank you Duncan - appreciate you reading and commenting

[Shelley Hansen]

Certainly no end to the tragic losses, Maureen.

[Maureen K Clifford]

Sadly no Shelley - and we may never know the true cost. My brumby group has accounted for all of our Kosciosko brumbies save one much loved old stager, who hasn't been seen, nor any of his mob. We are hopeful that he has just taken his girls far away to safety and will return in due course of time - so many eyes out there looking for a sight of him. He goes by the name of Paleface