It was a hot day
Miles to go before my sleep
AC on full blast
A country summer
Driving across the wide plain
Through eucalypt trees
A kangaroo here
Some Galahs on the fence post
and dead snakes on the road
Two more hours to go
Some white cloud on horizon
No, that is smoke there
There’s a cordon ahead
Diversion down a farm track
Too late to turn back
Now heading northward
Can see the fire is extensive
A mind of its own
There’s a truck ahead
So no chance to pass him here
Unless he sees me
Going is so slow
Long since the track’s been graded
Good, he’s waved me on
Bitumen ahead
Turn right well back from fire front
Scent of smoke now gone
An hour behind time
Back to the highway again
Township up ahead
Yet more diversions
Now the wind is getting up
More fire trucks pass by
Finally get home
“I didn’t think you’d make it”
She says with a kiss
TV is on loud
All about the fire and damage
So I turn it off
Never been so scared
Just wanted to be with you
I will sleep well now
Image found at www.theaustralian.com
Oh my yes.. you have portrayed nicely the destruction and devastation that fire is capable of. Well penned!
ReplyDeletefire does indeed have a mind of its own and plays devastation...and all's well that ends well :)
ReplyDeleteI love the staccato telling of this story - it seems to feel like thoughts feel as we negotiate such challenges..perhaps we are lucky when the fire doesn't quite catch up with us...
ReplyDeleteThis sounds very heart-poundingly frightening! A fire is nothing to mess with, and the feeling of the possibility of being trapped in one is terrifying. Your poem portrays this well.
ReplyDeleteWhat a scary drive! It's very hot and dry here in Texas at the moment, with "burn bans" in effect because of the dry grass and low humidity. We need rain!
ReplyDeleteThose moments you have to be so focused on survival. We drove through a brush fire that had jumped the road I can relate to that sense of being safely home.
ReplyDeleteA vivid description of your drive...and also I had to look up galah... Looks absolutely pretty in its pink..thank you!
ReplyDeletea harrying tale well told; how lucky for you to return and be greeted
ReplyDelete"Finally get home
“I didn’t think you’d make it”
She says with a kiss"
have a good mid-week day
much love...
Thank you for taking us along on this journey through natural heat to hotter still--I loved the suspense and detail of it, the reminder of the danger of uncontrolled fire and the relief of safety at home. The detail of turning off the TV made me smile. What's the news to people who have been there?
ReplyDeleteYes, forget about all the bad news. Just block away the irritants and get on with life. There are lots more important things to do
ReplyDeleteHank
Whew! You weren't burned to a crisp, and you arrived safely home to your beloved!
ReplyDeleteHoly Fire
I could feel the stress and tension of the journey, and the relief of arriving safely home. So well told.
ReplyDeleteIt must have been a devastating experience I must say. So well narrated, Robin. Thanks God you arrived safely...
ReplyDeleteOh yes, those are scary times! Glad you got through all right.
ReplyDeleteLove the format. Quick short lines, reflecting the fear of the situation. Well written.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with the above on the line lengths...it definitely brings the fear heightened tone. Fire can be so scary.
ReplyDeleteThe bush fires are so tragic. Fire - life giving and yet can be so destructive. Nicely depicted in your poem
ReplyDeleteThat could be a terrifying thing to drive around.
ReplyDeleteA dangerous journey well told. I like how you describe the relief of finally being home.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great journey you've taken us on ~ from the terrifying to the safety of home...
ReplyDeleteOld Egg,
ReplyDeleteThe power of fire and its path of destruction and fear, when it creeps at speed. Bush fires must be a most frightening experience to encounter. Glad you were safe.
Eileen
Well-penned! Anyone who has witnessed a bushfire at close quarters carries that image of destruction with them forever. A great description of the danger and the relief of getting home safe!
ReplyDelete