Alison A Smith Poet Verse

Notes About The Poem

Written 24th August, 2026 for Epiphany Poetry Contest sponsored by Constance La France.

"I started to appreciate the tree's scarred trunk and the gradual way that its bark gently peeled away in fading strips. Tentatively, I recognised that in God's sign language, it was speaking to me about death and resurrection."

— Sister Mary Reardon, Ghost Gum Wisdom (The Good Oil, 2021)

 

Epiphany

Written 24th August, 2026 for Epiphany  Poetry Contest sponsored by Constance La France

The ironbark stands rigid in the heat,
shedding strips of gray to dry red earth.
For hours, the cicada hum is absolute,
a wall of sound that blurs the horizon,
then, the hot wind drops.

Smoke from a distant ridge dissipates,
and the canopy splinters the harsh sun
into a thousand sudden, golden prisms.
In that quiet fracture of the afternoon,
the answer settles over the sandstone.

It is not a shout, but the shedding of weight.
It is the ghost gum stepping out of its old skin,
revealing the pale, unblemished wood beneath,
breathing in the newly altered light.

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Pascal Borg September 15, 2026 at 3:22 PM Yet another glimpse of the beautiful 'down under'. Yet another win for our talented poetess, Alison. Good on you! Alison A Smith September 16, 2026 at 8:24 PM Thank you Pascal for your kind words.❤️

Anne-Lise Andresen September 12, 2026 at 11:47 AM - Alison / Piscera The Poet ... - An excellent poem, congratulations on your win in the contest :) - hugs Alison A Smith September 12, 2026 at 1:02 PM For those I call friend its still Alison .... thank you for your support.❤️

Paula Goldsmith September 11, 2026 at 1:47 PM Congratulations on your win. I enjoyed reading your wonderful "Epiphany" write. Great/Pretty Picture. Have a blessed day/weekend with your wonderful win............... Alison A Smith September 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM Thank you Paula your continued support is appreciated.❤️

the barefoot bard September 11, 2026 at 1:40 PM the barefoot bard September 11, 2026 at 1:43 PM A well deserved first place Describes the natural bush beautifully Blessings D😄uglas

Howard Kerr September 11, 2026 at 1:28 PM Alison, Your work is a celebration of imaginitve, innovative writing at its zenith. The manner in which you plot the line by line atmospheric process leading to your epiphany is stunning.🔥🔥🔥 Congratulations on your win of course. Howard Alison A Smith September 12, 2026 at 12:59 PM Thank you Howard for your encouragement.❤️

Paige Hind August 25, 2026 at 10:01 PM gorgeous imagery!! <3 Alison A Smith August 26, 2026 at 2:45 AM Thanks💕

Constance La France August 24, 2026 at 3:55 AM Soupmail 👀 Alison A Smith August 24, 2026 at 4:11 AM Thank you

Sotto Poet August 24, 2026 at 3:30 AM Alison, your wonderful poem offers a vivid depiction of a natural setting, skillfully capturing a moment of change and revelation. The imagery of the ironbark and ghost gum provides a strong visual and emotional impact. Alison A Smith August 24, 2026 at 3:39 AM Thank you Sotto.