Outback Views

Be sparse like the saltbush plains
of the outback, short on adjectives,
mostly verb and noun. Let the sun
scorch shadows into the sand,
hollow out some shade where a little
life can hide from the heat.

Celebrate the light, its clear passage
through the air, hard as the sharpened
edge of a steel blade. See how it cracks
the land, opens wounds where
the inland snake hides and brews 
its venom in perfect silence.

At night feel a cold descend
from a sky emblazoned with stars
set in the icy distances of space.
Endure a solitude that drains the soul
as it leaks out towards horizons
of absolute nothingness,

here,
come face to face with yourself.





Note.
The Australian outback is largely 
a dry and unpopulated area covering
around 70% of the total land mass
of the country.
By comparison, this arid region
equates to a little over 50% 
of the area of the United States, 
( excluding Alaska ).
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Wolf Avatar
September 11, 2024 at 9:13 PM
'mostly verb and noun' really made me sit up and pay attention to your compelling tribute to the spartan -- and ruthlessly efficient! -- outback. ~ G'dai!
Willason Avatar
September 13, 2024 at 5:05 PM
Thankyou for diving into this poem Gershon, has a few layers. The spiritual significance of the land is recognised and becomes a mirror to reflect back our own image...we are part of it and not its master...more appointed caretakers. Take care my friend..
Lawless Avatar
September 10, 2024 at 5:54 AM
YIKES.....no Koalas, kangaroos, or Platapussys here. A shrieking write Paul screaming of the beauties of nature even in its barrenness.
Willason Avatar
September 11, 2024 at 3:46 AM
Very much a part of the psyche of the country...that dark interior space that both intrigues and gives cause to fear. It can swallow up the unwary and yet offers unique beauty. Many thanks John for commenting.
Empress Avatar
September 10, 2024 at 2:33 AM
Profound write dear paul, i love the depth of this, how sometimes in just simplicity of what surrounds we can find clarity. I love the way youv painted imagery and also how youv used such sublte alliterations and what a line to end this poem with! So powerful! And also has a very delicate touch to it! I absolutely love this! “ sky emblazoned with stars set in the icy distances of space. Endure a solitude that drains the soul” so deeply moving! Pleasure reading this gem, sending you light
Willason Avatar
September 11, 2024 at 3:38 AM
Honored to receive such positive feedback IE...thankyou for diving into this quite difficult poem and giving it your time and thought. Deeply appreciative my friend...its good to know when a poem connects...humbling to learn. Take care and cheers...
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