top of page

October 14th 2023 ANNIVERSARY

lest we forget

how wet we were

when the river came to call

before dawn

while we were still in bed

but not asleep

on high alert

and fully clothed

stomachs in a knot

despite the big fat wall

to spite us all

it came

without a warning

from any body

council

government

BOMB

it swirled right through

the door

without a knock or bell

it barged right in

sink or swim

and get the cars out now

before they scupper

in the drive

survive

that’s what we had to do

and fast mate

while the sun rose slowly

while the text that read

e-vacuate

percolated

through our phones

too fucking late

you bastards

dragging clothes

and books

and cases full of stuff

what’s important

what’s enough

too late for that

no time for this

just say goodbye

and head on up the hill

to park outside eighteen

to watch the river

roiling in


no

we won’t forget

abandonment

and camaraderie

and misery

despair

and loss

and we will be very sure

to trust

no body

but ourselves

and our community

the next time

there’s a chance

a hint

a rumour

that

the river comes to call




My book of poems, A Day At A Time In Rhyme (Littlefox Press) can be found here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Day-At-Time-Rhyme/dp/0648083861/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=A+Day+At+A+Time+In+Rhyme+Jane+Clifton&qid=1572053238&sr=8-1


86 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

November 4th 2023 hands in the dirt wrenching weeds planting seeds until old knees scream stop! but you can’t stop the sun is up the wind is down and there is no better day than this one to exert yo

November 3rd 2023 the year runs down like clockwork like an iphone like a spreadsheet like wine down my throat like piss down the pisser it just goes it just goes it just goes and before you know it

how can we compete with trees? artists, sculptors trees bring them to their knees jeez Louise look at those trunks big spunks those leaves those colours textures in the dry we pass them by their beaut

bottom of page