from within the wattle-bush hide
she observes a smoking ash ghost
it is tall like emu
its face galah pink
seemingly oblivious to the rain
it emits the strange odour
how can it smoke fire
breathe smoke from its mouth
maybe it is a fire man
maybe the rain is putting it out
like water
on hot coals
from Ruby MoonlightFind more by Ali Cobby Eckermann at the library
Copyright © 2012 Ali Cobby Eckermann
Used with the permission of Flood Editions.
there is a bend along the river
where fish slow in shallow water
she hears them splash
in the shelter of sandstone
under the overhang hidden by trees
she slumps in shadowed sorrow
in this overhang a cool breeze blows
language sings on her skin
she lies within prayer and prospect
there is little movement
days pass without incident
she tunes to river flow
from Ruby MoonlightFind more by Ali Cobby Eckermann at the library
Copyright © 2012 Ali Cobby Eckermann
Used with the permission of Flood Editions.
