Final Days

Past fires reveal anthills surrounded by blackened soil
The hay bale cemeteries represent such wasted toil.
Eyes stay peeled for access roads blocked by cattle
Or smoke plumes from bush fires, a constant battle.

Wedge tailed eagles feast on a carcass of kangaroo
Kites hover and swoop hoping for a morsel or two.
Families of bustards roam and brolga couples dance,
Of black cockatoos and jabirus you may get a glance.

At a shrinking muddy dam we cast a net for live bait
Transversing via horse paddocks turn left at Crazy Gate.
Venturing down to ’Mattress’ - an accessible river bend
To throw in a few fishing lines, soaking up the days end.

Tentatively wallabies hop down the bank to drink
Wary of becoming a crocs meal, quick as a wink.
As the lowering sun causes the river to shimmer
Anticipation of landing a big Barramundi for dinner.

Cooked over a fire with a billy for tea
Vehicle headlights on awhile just to see.
Darkness shrouds, above shooting stars & the Milky Way
Distant flashes from a storm, but no rain will fall today.

Witnessing wildlife and cattle in numbers so prolific
Has certainly made our station experience terrific.
A prize helicopter ride flying over the area high
Makes for a great finale before we say goodbye.Read more