Spring's Roadside Show

These are the memories I recorded in my diary while travelling along a country road.

Spring’s Roadside Show

 

Rain, driven by wind, shoots towards the car like arrows

as the rhythmic dance of the windscreen wiper blades

clears a path to reveal the vision of Spring’s roadside show.

 

Scene One opens

with a yellow curtain of wattle trimmed at the hem

by a soft white ruffle of tea tree blossoms.

A flash of purple appears among the green leaves

before disappearing from view unidentified.

 

Scene Two sees

skies clear as the storm retreats to rain upon distant hills,

leaving the bush to glisten with jewel-like raindrops;

The undulating landscape is covered by a veil of mist,

while mountain tops wear fluffy white hats of cloud.

 

Scene Three takes in

the sheep grazing, their wool darkened by the rain,

white lines along their backs where the wool has parted.

New born lambs huddle together, while others lie alone

vivid white against the backdrop of green pastures.

 

Scene Four follows

a series of narrow streams cutting paths across paddocks,

flattening the grass before flowing to their destinations;

A ‘V’ shaped ripple spreads across the dam

as a wood duck glides effortlessly on the water.

 

Scene Five realises a close call

when, from our path, black wings beat a hasty retreat

as a crow flies to the safety of the branch above.

A skirt of pink and grey billows, as galahs take flight,

voicing their objection at their meal being interrupted.

 

The Closing Scene farewells

Spring’s roadside show, so colourful and entertaining;

Soon to be replaced by nature’s many changes

that summer will bring to its own roadside show.

Author's Note

This is my first attempt at free verse and I would appreciate constructive feedback on this poem and how I can improve