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