Then in Walgett town it’s where the
‘Barwon’ and the ‘Namoi’ rivers meet-
It’s brown and dead in the outback with carcass spoil.
Flood then drought and hot north gale.

The windows all barred now and trite are the streets.
But the beer flows  amber and
the shearers, clip fleece - their backs well bent.

Roly-poly salt bush on the sunsets plains,
and drovers’ camp under the stars praying for rain.
while the billy boils.

Where mad blue dogs’ sun bake in fifty degree heat
with cancerous nose and ears, No one left who cares.
TeAnne © Apr 26. 1998