ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

When the fires started my niece was 100 kilometers away at her father’s funeral while her five children waited at home.
My niece rang me to vent her fear for her family and friends in the Dragon’s path.
While she spoke on her mobile she took photos so I would ‘see’ for myself. The scenes 'yelled' fear.
After we broke contact I penned this as the words and feelings poured out of my brain and onto the keys.
She has no fear now and all her folk are safe and sound.

RISING FROM THE ASHES


The Victorian fires of two thousand and nine
Brought heartache and lasting scars in the minds
Of the people in Gippsland and the valley of Goulburn
Who fled if they could, and then watched their towns burn.

The eyes of the dragon seen through the trees
Mesmerize minds and cause bodies to freeze.
Which way to go, which way to turn;
No time for questions when the trees burn.

Just jump in the cars and flee towards town
But the road is cut off as the wind swings around.
No way to go, no way to turn;
An acceptance of fate, as the trees burn.

The fence of the paddock does not impede
The scorched car that flattens it, picking up speed
Away from the flames, away they must turn
Desperate with fear, as the trees burn.

The breath of this beast lights fires with no flame
The heat of its breath burn all just the same.
It’s tail flames on, it’s head, see it turn
Back towards town, there are more things to burn.

With fire, smoke and tears these folk have learnt
To rise from the ashes; spirits singed; not burnt
A call for assistance, now the schools turn
To grey squares of ashes; and more townships burn.

The calls went out across this wide country
And the offers came from all and sundry.
What do you need? What can we bring you?
They were told, so they went; what else would they do?

Hand towels, toothbrushes, soap and shampoo
To clean away ashes; the soot, and tears too
Through fire and smoke, these folk have learnt
To rise from the ashes; spirits singed; not burnt

TWELVE MONTHS ON

In the year of two thousand and ten,
The needs were still prevalent, a call’s came again
For tradesmen who work with bricks, metal and tile,
To come, not for a day but to stay for a while.

The towns’ people will labour as long as there’s need,
They’ll listen and learn and plant as they weed,
While their houses and schools, fire stations too,
Rise from the ashes, and stand good as new.

The February Dragon has left for a time,
But hope that heals the scars in the minds
Of the people there, is strong and alive,
They have rebuilt their towns, their dreams and their lives.

© 2011





© Worddancer

Never had to experience this Myra but it is easy to detach yourself from the drama if it is not close at hand. I think the recent disasters have shown just how generous and caring Australians are.


Cheers Bob

G'day Marty, Hi Bob,

Thank you for understanding, we live in the best piece of land on the planet with the people who care to share with the world and each other. The firefighters sent to and from countries, (currently to Canada, and New Mexico) go because they know the what, how and why they do, what they do and are brave and true and really care. My friend Kieth; retired reporter and photographer for the YP Times, author, and Fireman with nearly 60 years listed on the brigade, still rocks up at the 'co-coordinator's office' when there is a need, and to practice days.

Thank again,

Worddancer

You are so right Marty, we do what we have to do and if it were any of us we'd do the same. The building continues. One of my good friends is painting her new house at the moment and counting down to moving in and out of the shed. Her second winter in a shed.

Heather

Hi Heather,
I'm pleased to see you.
There are a lot of people who do not speak of the horror they experienced because it still brings the sense and feeling of helpless fear to the fore.

I have as much admiration for the all towns folk, whether not their town burnt everyone pitches in.

From the primary schools in SA, every student filled a shoebox with toiletries, treats and everyday things, suitable for babies, children and adults.
Not once but many times and as a car filled they were transported to town Post Offices, where in turn a truck left for 'the front'.
The PS children did it again for Queensland when the water devastated people and towns. The students instigated the boxes this time and the teachers joined them.

Seeing the children reaching out is wonderful.


Worddancer

Sending goodies is good Myra but the timing has to be right. I recall good hearted people boxing up toiletries about 4 weeks after Black Saturday and it was way too late. Most people who lost homes now have enough toiletries to last several years - seriously. What they found most useful were gift cards that they could use at a time of their choosing, for goods of their choosing and they didn't feel as embarrassed as when accepting cash or goods. It also empowered them to make their own decisions. Some of the things I saw donated were a disgrace - no more than people clearing out unwanted, out of date and worn items. It was really demeaning. Off the soap box now.

Heather

Yeah Heather I can understand that. Helped out at a clean up day for our local salvos and most of the stuff that was left at the bin was just junk and worse of all some of it contaminated perfectly good donations.


The voucher idea is something that should be taken up and you are right it lets people keep their pride.


Cherers Bob

G'day Heather,

I agree with what you say and so did the older kids at our local Pimpala PS, and Yankalilla Area School. So inside every box that was some toy or craft along with paper, ('they'll need paper, it'll be all burnt," say year sixes. They also Marked their boxes for sex and age. If they thought that after all the care they took, the boxes didn't reach the kids there, they'd be a 'little' disappointed.
As long as vouchers are from legitimate shops and business, who's people will honour them, they may well work.
As for the cast-offs sent by those who have plenty to those who have naught; what goes around, comes around!

Most of us do what we can, when we can, to eliminate the negatives and accentuate the positives, just to get the job done.




Worddancer

That was really thoughtful of the kids Myra. There is nothing more rewarding than giving and it is a good lesson to learn, especially for kids. I am involved in a group of ladies that lost their homes and one of the many things that meant so much to them were some doonas they were given, but it wasn't the doonas so much as the pictures some primary school kids had drawn on the paper advertising on the wrapping (I hope you know what I mean). I'm going to a womens' leadership retreat this coming week end for women affected by the bushfires - most would have been in leadership roles. It should be great because there will be women from Kinglake, our area (Kilmore fire), Marysville and the Beechworth area. We will be able to network and swap ideas and get spoilt at the same time.

Our group raised some money from a cookbook we produced and with it we sent gift cards (because of the distance) to a family that lost their home in Feb this year in WA. And you know what the lady did that received them? She gave some of them away to people "worse off" than herself. We intend sending over some cookbooks and more gift cards in the near future. It's been a wonderful thing to give back and now we have an offer to stay with this family in WA! The circle of friendship continues..

Heather

As I said, Heather, what goes around, especially the good stuff. Most of the time goodness finds us! it's all part of a good healthy life for all concerned.

People bounce back from adversity and off of each other; if and when we allow the contact.

Thank you so much for being,


Worddancer