T’was a February day when that windstorm came our way
On the back of bone-dry virulence that killed off half the stock.
And the men set out in groups like some battle-weary troops
To round up all surviving beasts and get ‘em in the dock.
The smell of drifting smoke ~ t’was enough to spook most folk,
And a glow was quickly spotted by Ned Brewster and his son.
They went a-callin’ “Fi-re!” as that glow was growin’ higher
Beyond the peaks of mountains near the Hashenbilly Run.
That nor-easter kept a-blowin’ with a let-up never showin’
And it roared its angry vengeance `cross the valleys and the plains.
As night came with persistence, the inferno in the distance
Made it obvious t’was too big for the locals to contain.
Though a brave few stood defying, each one was killed a-tryin’
And their tragic, blackened bodies were discovered in the ash;
A national day of mourning was established as a warning
To mountain folk and graziers: Life is taken in a flash.
Author notes
Written in respectful memoriam of those brave souls in Victoria who lost their lives in February 2009.
Rhyme, meter and bush theme inspired by the inimitable Banjo Paterson.
A contest entry
- Be Inspired: Favourite Poet (Poetic Bandit Group Contest) by The Poetic Bandits.
1000 points, ended February 23, 12 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 6 of 6
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well Done!
This is a great poem, commorating the battles of the brave firefighters that put their lives on the line to protect and keep others from harm. A terrible thing indeed the fires that were started by arsonist in the country of Australia, so much senseless loss! Thanks for sharing this meaningful poem and I will do my own research on Banjo Paterson and perhaps let him inspire me
. Congrats on the Gold trophy.
Brother Dennis
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I really liked this, there was a lot of structure, it made the poem flow really well, excellent job of communicating your thoughts about the events that occurred, great write!
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Great Contest Entry!
This is such a wonderful poem - you capture the desperate feeling of black sunday perfectly, and the applaud of the brave people that tried to fight the blazes is brilliant love that this was inspired by Paterson too 
very well written!
Polly
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Brillance ~
The fires are horrific and my heart keeps breaking everytime I look at the news, I wish I could do more for them
This poem is just amazing
Best of Luck
♥
Stay safe
~Manda
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How exquisite, almost a ghost for his words.
notice no comment from the Queen. at least not heard of any
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Aussie spirit
Juls
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