CAN YOU WEATHER THE STORM?

 

CAN YOU WEATHER THE STORM? … Maureen Clifford ©   The #ScribblyBarkPoet

 

 

Can you weather the storm Mother Nature cried out?

as she cradled the dead to her breast

Will you weather the storm as it rages and wanes?

as your brothers seek eternal rest

Will you gather together in one mighty herd?

and protect all the young ones – it might sound absurd.

But now I need your promise – so give me your word.

That together you’ll weather the storm.

 

You can weather the weather and outrun the fires

that beset us on our mountain plains

You have overcome drought and in you there’s no doubt

that the spirit of freedom remains

But you now must be wary, and cany and smart

Put your trust in no one – no matter your heart

whispers that these are friends – it’s men death impart -

released in a slow killing swarm.

.

 

Go hide in the mountains … the gullies and trees

of the forest will help to protect you.

If you move stealthily, always scenting the breeze

other creatures will guide and direct you.

You’ll hear the shrill cry of the eagle on high

as he warns of a human venturing nigh

Roo’s feet drum the ground if a stranger they spy.

Their behaviour of danger will warn.

 

And the brumbies took note and they drifted away

 like the smoke from a summer bushfire,

weaving through the trees with the greatest of ease

as the leaves and the breeze urged them higher.

Nose to tail each one followed on tracks they had made

as they climbed steep escarpments and sought thickest shade

in an ordered procession, a brumby parade

Heading deep to safer parts of country.

 

Where they went we’re not saying and never will tell

it was country harsh and isolated.

And only the hardiest men ventured there

it was rare that humans infiltrated.

The gullies were deep and protected by trees,

there was water for drinking and in a big freeze

rock ledge shelters gave refuge, a dry place for ease.

Though ‘doing it tough’ states it bluntly.

 

For those who survived the harsh fires that tore through,

this might well have become their domain.

For many suspected their lives had been lost,

but then some returned once again.

The mountains hold secrets that the brumbies know,

where grass hides down deep beneath mantles of snow.

A safe sanctuary where most humans won’t go.

Where the Mother will shelter her brumbies.

 

15.10.23

Edited 5.2.2026