When it rains

31/03/2021 – Poem a Day Compilation



I stand outside

The rain falls

Crashing down

On barren soil

Parched too long

Thirsty for more

Cracked and open

Drinking its fill

Dark waters flowing

Over dusty red plains

To oceans full

Along ancient courses

Where people build

Unsuitable houses

For landscapes old

And disasters new

Where lives are shattered

By that rain

As it falls at once

And crashes still

Then flows and seeps

Until barren soil

Is left once more

A Slow Rain

10/12/2020 – Poem a Day Compilation



Out here the land is dry

Cracks appear like mouths

Begging for a drink

But there is no comfort,

Nothing to quench the thirst

Of parched fields

Or sunburnt deserts.



The animals huddle nervously

Around almost empty watering holes

Eking out the last drops

From plants that won’t survive the summer

Not knowing when the next deluge will come

Or where they should head towards

To get that life-giving liquid.



Locals pray to go a god who doesn’t answer

For something to get them through,

Or just enough to last this month

Or this week,

Or even just today

When they need something sustainable:

A slow rain to wash away the fear.

Visiting

11/05/2020 - Iso Well-Being Compilation

 

Won’t you stop here for a moment?

Where the air feels very raw;

Where every breath feels uneasy;

And life is so unsure.

Can’t you feel the wind stinging you?

Where the dirt abrades your eyes;

Where the leave crunch under foot;

And people are outnumbered by flies.

Shouldn’t you want to know your country?

Where the hard lessons are taught;

Where the fight is never over;

And experience can’t be bought.

Wouldn’t you immerse yourself here?

Where cultures meet head on;

Where the land is a harsh mistress;

And dreams are never gone.

Isn’t this where you should be now?

Where bark is burnt black;

Where grass dries brown;

And water never comes back.

Hasn’t this town been through ample bad times?

Where the going isn’t just tough;

Where families struggle together;

And the people have had enough.

Weren’t you always saying you’d visit?

Where your presence is appreciated;

Where your dollars make a difference;

And lasting memories are created.