COLLABORATIVE POEM MARCH 2023

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Maureen K Clifford
Posts: 8047
Joined: Tue Nov 09, 2010 10:31 am
Location: Ipswich - Paul Pisasale country and home of the Ipswich Poetry Feast
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COLLABORATIVE POEM MARCH 2023

Post by Maureen K Clifford » Sun Mar 05, 2023 4:00 pm

1 ...We all live in Australia, we know the joy that brings
but right now with the flooding we wish that we had wings.
Our Northern Territory folks in the communities
are getting just a trifle wet - from rivers they must flee.
The folk at Pigeon Hole have left - the army came to help
thank God they saved the little dog that was about to whelp -
the kids of course thought it great fun but on the adult's faces
we saw the fear, the stress and strain - the lines no time erases.
mkc.

2 ...Kalkarindji’s drowning and I’m standing here aghast,
just staring at the flooding as belongings eddy past.
Water covers everything, from shop to school and road—
we’re speechless at destruction of each treasured, lost abode.
They’re rescuing from Daguragu, Pigeon Hill and here,
for nothing can assuage such wrath of nature - this is clear.
I’m searching now for helicopter’s presence in the sky
whilst all I see is bleak despair in every anxious eye.
CL

3 ...Two women knew they must get out they made their preparations
and loaded up the Ute and dog and knew their destination.
When they set out the road was clear - but now no time to dither
The main road to Lajamanu had transformed to a river.
Their vehicle was stranded and the water rising higher
and via 'sat' phone police were called to organize a flyer.
There was no quick solution - they must stay there overnight,
with the waters rising higher they were fearful of their plight.

4 ...Next day they heard the chopper coming. Sweet relief - for sure
They climbed aboard with Charlie held tight in their arms, secure.
Their vehicle might be recovered later on with luck
right now it sat in isolated splendour - truly stuck.
Kalkarindji waited - it was once known as Wave Hill -
home to Vincent Lingiari - a Gurindji man, strong willed;
who led his people off the land for a seven year strike -
gathered them at Daguragu - a precious sacred site
mkc

Who's going to do the next verse?? Come on don't be shy - copy and paste this into your post and then add on Verse 5
Check out The Scribbly Bark Poets blog site here -
http://scribblybarkpoetry.blogspot.com.au/


I may not always succeed in making a difference, but I will go to my grave knowing I at least tried.

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Maureen K Clifford
Posts: 8047
Joined: Tue Nov 09, 2010 10:31 am
Location: Ipswich - Paul Pisasale country and home of the Ipswich Poetry Feast
Contact:

Re: COLLABORATIVE POEM MARCH 2023

Post by Maureen K Clifford » Sun Mar 12, 2023 10:39 am

Come on you mob - has the cat got your tongue - ????? I'm waiting for Verse 5 ..... someone out there must have it close to finished.

The flooding up our top end is still very much an issue so there is heaps to write about and you can take it in any direction you wish :roll:

I can do it myself but that somewhat defeats the purpose don't you think :lol:
Check out The Scribbly Bark Poets blog site here -
http://scribblybarkpoetry.blogspot.com.au/


I may not always succeed in making a difference, but I will go to my grave knowing I at least tried.

Ron
Posts: 740
Joined: Tue Nov 02, 2010 5:55 pm
Location: Blue Mtns.

Re: COLLABORATIVE POEM MARCH 2023

Post by Ron » Tue Mar 14, 2023 2:48 pm

Hi Maureen, finally got something together, have been away and going again this week, busy time at the moment. :D


1 ...We all live in Australia, we know the joy that brings
but right now with the flooding we wish that we had wings.
Our Northern Territory folks in the communities
are getting just a trifle wet - from rivers they must flee.
The folk at Pigeon Hole have left - the army came to help
thank God they saved the little dog that was about to whelp -
the kids of course thought it great fun but on the adult's faces
we saw the fear, the stress and strain - the lines no time erases.
mkc.

2 ...Kalkarindji’s drowning and I’m standing here aghast,
just staring at the flooding as belongings eddy past.
Water covers everything, from shop to school and road—
we’re speechless at destruction of each treasured, lost abode.
They’re rescuing from Daguragu, Pigeon Hill and here,
for nothing can assuage such wrath of nature - this is clear.
I’m searching now for helicopter’s presence in the sky
whilst all I see is bleak despair in every anxious eye.
CL

3 ...Two women knew they must get out they made their preparations
and loaded up the Ute and dog and knew their destination.
When they set out the road was clear - but now no time to dither
The main road to Lajamanu had transformed to a river.
Their vehicle was stranded and the water rising higher
and via 'sat' phone police were called to organize a flyer.
There was no quick solution - they must stay there overnight,
with the waters rising higher they were fearful of their plight.

4 ...Next day they heard the chopper coming. Sweet relief - for sure
They climbed aboard with Charlie held tight in their arms, secure.
Their vehicle might be recovered later on with luck
right now it sat in isolated splendour - truly stuck.
Kalkarindji waited - it was once known as Wave Hill -
home to Vincent Lingiari - a Gurindji man, strong willed;
who led his people off the land for a seven year strike -
gathered them at Daguragu - a precious sacred site
mkc

5 ...And Vincent he made waves on Wave Hill station way out there,
as Vesteys were the owners, paying wages so unfair!
The strike though proved, (though very hard) of Seven years well spent,
involving government intervention, that helped cement,
negotiation for part of, native land to be returned
That gave them back some dignity, a corner had been turned.
But now the waves were different, being of the flooding kind,
as Victoria River turned, from life-blood to …maligned!

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