ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

TIDES UP ... Maureen Clifford © The #ScribblyBarkPoet


It rained last night, it rained a lot, just like the night before
and unbeknown to us it seems the rain had passed for sure
upstream from us it must have poured for when we woke today
we found our town was flooded - 'twas a picture of dismay.

The old Bremer has broke her banks, she does that quite a bit
invades the town with waters brown amidst her hissy fit.
The kids of course just think it fun, some here have gone canoeing
but Mums and Dads with homes awash see the damage accruing.

The newsreel blokes are here in town filming the locals watching
the waters slow rise up the street - at least the rains now stopping.
There's naughty Tommy Tyler making like a tightrope walker
along the fence - he'd best watch out for cranky Mr Harper.

And who's that with his pants rolled up and water to his knees,
sans shirt, with hat, and probing stick? He's posing at his ease
quite unaware that close behind a rowing boat is sculling.
He'd best beware in case he slips, now's not the time for culling.

And look at those blokes wearing hats and suit coats, standing gawking
all on their way to work they were, the rivers stopped their walking
they'll have to turn right up the hill and make a lengthy detour
though chances are no work today - but best to go and make sure.

Some mines are no doubt flooded now, they'll take a while to drain
the town is in an uproar and some curse the flooding rain.
But there's a silver lining and of that there is no doubt.
The rains have come and with them hope we'll see the end of drought.

28.8.2020

Hi Maureen

Good poem and I like the way you have observed most things in the photo.

I reckon you have covered all bases with this one.

Terry

Good word picture Maureen. Living in Maryborough I can relate to the rage of the river and the scenes you have described.

Good one Maureen. You've paint a very clear picture here, and certainly made me notice more detail in the photo as well!

Interesting Maureen, you have related a very optimistic feel to the scene, no gloom and doom. Maybe people took difficulty their stride in those days.

Thanks everyone for your positive comments - the picture I chose was actually one taken of the Ipswich floods many moons ago. The area shown is where the Coles store is in Brisbane Street, looking up towards Queens Park ... and it still floods just as badly there.