Outback

Arid land cracked and dry

Sunburned to the far horizon

Twisting breezes swirl and sigh

Withered stubble, dry ground glazing.

Bluetongue hides in Termite mound

Deep in shades awaits his prey

Watchful eyes survey the ground.

Around him, termites wend their way.

Dingo crouches digging deep

Seeking water for her brood

Months of drought dried the creek

Water seeps through the mud.

She stops, there’s movement near the tree

The smell of death lingers near,

A shadow crawls where none should be,

She hears the sound of dying fear.

The Bitch moves close to investigate,

Wallaby tries to turn and flee,

A growl and snapping teeth can’t wait,

Scavengers gather for the feast.

Jaws locked tight around the neck,

Fresh blood satiates her thirst.

Back Crow flutters take a peck.

Goanna dives in to join the feast.

Sun sets across this barren land,

The Pack returns into the Den.

Rising moon, frost on the ground.

Come morn the theatre plays again.

Robin A Spicer © July 7, 2004

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Glossary

Bluetongue............Small Lizard found Australia wide

Dingo......Wild Dog. A hunter and scavenger.

Goanna...... Lizard of the Monitor family. Can grow to six feet in length, stand up to three feet high when running. Hunter and scavenger. Similar to Indonesian Dragon.

Wallaby... Small marsupial similar to a Kangroo, but around half the size.