ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

Firestorm Canberra 2001



The firestorm swept down with fury untold
in carpeted colours of crimson and gold,
black skies billowing— smoking asunder,
a thousand jet engines roaring like thunder.

They stood by a window, saw other homes blazing,
their windows blew in, glass shattered and crazing,
red fingers of flame moved closer in places,
breathed fiery hot fury straight in their faces.

They extended their arms pushing watery foam;
as fireballs exploded and threatened their home,
making a stand, side by side, moving together,
their bucket brigade seemed to go on forever.

Red eyed, black faced, he looked up with feeling,
cried out in alarm at the smouldering ceiling.
Come now, my love, the struggle is done
we fought like the devil— but the fire has won.

One backward glance at the burgeoning sight—
blazing inferno where they fought their last fight;
in weary defeat they slipped into the night,
where landscape lay smoking amid flames burning
bright.

They looked back, in tears, at the scene out of hell
and a house that would blacken and turn to a shell.
The fire smiled behind them, blew sparks all around,
then gleefully burnt their house to the ground.


John Macleod

Scary thing is John whether it be fire, flood or cyclone it really does happen just that quickly.

Excellently written and in true Aussie style with that bit of ironic humour thrown in for good measure . Well done.

Cheers

Maureen

Very well written John. From personal experience? Hard to believe it is 10 years ago already isn't it? I'm working on a book of people's fire stories from Black Saturday and sometimes it is very hard to continue with it. Just today I received the story of a lady who lost her husband in the fire and I figure if she is brave enough to write her story I have to make sure I tell it for her. I have photos for the book like the scenes you describe. Scary stuff.

Heather

G'day, Maureen.

Well, a past event, described by a journalist in the Sydney Morning Herald. A excellent graphic true story.

The article was set beside a young couple standing beside the smouldering remains of their house.

This poem is exactly how the story unfolded.

Now, do not ask me why the occupants weren't injured I imagine the fire travelled so fast it went over the house like an ocean wave.

Thank you for your complements on my writing. Your words are appreciated. Thank you.

I'm pleased that I produced something acceptable to present company.

Regards,

John

G'day, Heather.

I doo like your smart new green uniform.

Well, as I explained to Maureen, this is a true story. Nothing is out of my imagination.

You are a writer? I don't know how well advanced, your are, in the world of journalism.
I'm a member of the NSW Writers' Centre which is an excellent medium for budding writers.

Of course this may not be of interest to you. However, you can always check this organisation out at: www.nswwriterscentre.org.au or info@nswwc.org.au

I do not wish to impose in any way.

I do appreciate your comments.

Regards,

John

Thanks for the web addresses John, I'll check them out.

Heather