A Coober Pedy Christmas

[Terry]

Coober Pedy mid 1960's True Story

A Coober Pedy Christmas
There was searing heat as usual and the outlook bleak and drear,
as I sweltered in my old brush hut on Christmas day that year.
Watching dusty devils swirl across the barren stony plain,
of this godforsaken thirsty land that’s begging now for rain.

I was standing in what passed for shade inside my sun-drenched shack
and was contemplating life among the dust and flies’ outback.
And although it may be Christmas there was very little cheer,
stony broke again as usual - can’t afford a flamen beer.

And I know I must be brain dead in believing like I do,
that my luck is sure to change before the present year is through.
For I’ve seen that flash of brilliant colour in a drive below
and was captured by its haunting beauty, only days ago.

©T.E. Piggott

[Ron]

Love this one Terry, very succinct and with all the descriptive lines to paint the picture!
And being a true story makes the read all the more enjoyable!
Though hard times to say the least, that flash of colour can certainly be the flicker on the candle of hope can't it.
Well done mate and happy New Year.
Cheers
Ron.

[Terry]

Thanks Ron
Hard to believe that was 60 years ago and I remember it like it was yesterday.
It was during that period when my life took a complete change and stayed that way from them on.
'Always chasing rainbows' first opal and then for many years gold.
That spirit of adventure that drives us on when we're young - bet you had much the same mate.

Cheers

Terry

[Ron]

Yes Terry, I remember those years when we'd think that tomorrow would look after itself. When I was working at different places in the bush I made reasonable money (bricklaying) but never seemed to be able to hang on to it for too long for some reason!
Cheers Mate
Ron

[Terry]

You sound a bit like me Ron.
I worked at various things as a youngster and seemed to be broke more times than not.
It was then I made the big change while still in my very early twenties and went opal mining. Mind you despite eventually,
finding some nice parcels of gem quality opal there were long periods of empty pockets. Gold on the other hand was a lot kinder and we always seemed to do well, we never made a real fortune but always did ok. We were lucky enough to be there in the very early days of metal detectors when gold was easy to find, and so we learnt the art of prospecting that held us in good stead in later years - I feel very fortunate just to have lived that life and to do the things I have done and would love to be back out there now, there are some things money can't buy.

Terry

[Maureen K Clifford]

Hope springs eternal mate and it is what keeps us going through the tough times - despite the heat, and hardship there remains a memory that brings hope and the reminder of what may yet still be. And if not it is still a great catalyst for more of your lovely poetry. Keep on keeping on Terry - doing what you love

[Terry]

Thanks Maureen

Terry

[Catherine Lee]

Your memories are still so crystal clear that you can make it sound as if it were just yesterday and we are standing there with you. This says so much in just three stanzas, Terry.

[Terry]

Thanks Catherine

Looking back now you forget the hard times, and convince yourself it was all worthwhile,
and to me of course it was - would love to do it all again.
It wasn't just the thrill of it all, it was also the mates I've known throughout the years,
Memories of friendships forged in remote areas with just your mate for company, are always special.

Terry