| General Poetry posted March 3, 2014 |
  |
Two year drought brings heartache to the outback.
How Long Can We Wait?
by Aussie
Farmers shade their eyes - clear blue skies
Cattle and sheep stumble and fall Drought - shrunken carcases covered in flies How long can we wait? To again walk tall? One thousand dollars a day for feed Meagre feed thrown from tray of the truck No wheat to harvest - we can't plant seed Shooting stock is cheaper - killing does suck. Bread comes from the bakery - no more Steak and lamb comes from the shop How long can we wait - tears are law Men and women - broken and ready to drop. Fifty cents a bullet - John walked his sheep Tears tumbled - dusty rivulets down his face Sheep were too weak to leap John loaded his rifle - he loved his place. The last straw brought him to his knees Sheep lay in dust - silent now John stood up - lifted his prayers and pleas Walked slowly towards his lone cow. Australia is dying - the land in drought Men and women pray for rain Two years on - farmers go without Farmers commit suicide - too much pain. |
ABAB Poetry Contest contest entry
Our farmers that have worked the land for decades are committing suicide as they watch their stock die from hunger - the modern world takes too much for granted. Men and women have worked the land and are used to drought - not this time. Two years of no rain has broken their spirits, they are finding it easier to shoot a beast than try and sell it for nothing - it has got so bad in cattle and sheep country; out west Queensland, the farmers are selling their top breeding stock for a quarter of their worth. A lot of our top quality beef goes to the US - for how long, I wonder. Prayers for our farmers much appreciated.
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. 
You need to login or register to write reviews. It's quick! We only ask four questions to new members.
© Copyright 2024. Aussie All rights reserved.
Aussie has granted FanStory.com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.
