WINTER RAIN*

The winter rain has swept through the brown coastal sand
An opaque mist broods over the distant sky
The last seagull takes its frantic flight
A tiny boat is trembling in the waters nearby.

Despondent trees are bowing to the angry wind
Leaves of red and gold scatter all over in the bitter-cold air
The anxious farmer has locked his barn
In the village none is seen in the thoroughfare.

The storm is heard brewing
The forests are darkening
The evening is deepening
The homeless and destitute are moaning.

For whom is that woman at the pier waiting?
Why are tears in her eyes gathering?
Why am I alone in the rain still lingering?
What story is my heart telling?

• Most of it written in the train when travelling to and back from Castlemaine in regional Victoria, Australia—
the rain inspired this.