The Day When Christmas Burned
There was movement here across our land, as candles burned real bright
With Christmas Carols sung on Christmas Eve,
But little did we then suspect upon this sacred night,
That lightning would appear with no reprieve.
A single bolt it did strike down and lit up undergrowth
In bushlands tinder ready now to burn,
It would release its fury fast wreak havoc was its oath,
The after-mast disaster we'd soon learn.
It started out along the coast, in a little seaside town
A lovely spot to soak up all the sun,
Where tourists flock straight to this place, and so many did come down,
But we would see their future on the run.
The fire sirens soon rang out it warned of pending doom
Do leave your homes this fire's got control,
Forget your earthly souvenirs for them you have no room,
Just save yourselves do not become its toll.
The fire licked and danced about, hot breath would not be quenched
It raced along the hills of coastal scene,
Destroying all within its path, that water had not drenched,
The black- end earth would show where it had been.
The red hot embers flew about criscrossed above the trees,
The sparks they crackled as they did ignite,
This mighty hound brought houses down fanned by a hot north breeze
Hell had no justice on this dreadful night.
Would not let up smoke grew real thick, angry fire razed through the town
And down the ocean road it had its way,
It melted cars strong winds prevailed those flames would not back down,
So t'would be quite fool-hardy then to stay.
Evacuate, get children out these cries to stay alive
Time was against these tired weary folk,
But safety was within their reach they managed to survive,
Their faces black with teary eyes they spoke.
The heat was more than man could stand, and it forced them to retreat
But they came back with strength they'd found that day,
We'll take you on you mangy beast for we will not be beat,
And so on bended knees began to pray.
The fire-fighters did their best brave efforts we'll revere
For not one human life was lost that night,
But birds and wildlife suffered loss when this monster did appear,
And took their lives with fast and furious might.
Now blackened hillsides do remain, silhouettes the turquoise surf
Like skeletons against the sea so blue,
The children's toys all black and scorched lie strewn upon the earth
No houses left for Santa to come to,
And memories of a life time gone how quickly did erase
This fires wrath no thoughts did it restrain,
But they'll rebuild and strength will find new challenges will face,
And Christmas Carol they will sing again.
Christine 28/12/2015
|
Author Notes
On Christmas Eve this year in a small coastal town in the state of Victoria in Australia a terrible bush fire broke out as as result of a lightning strike. It took hold and the fire swept across five towns and over Christmas day had burnt 116 houses to the ground.
The temperature was around 35 degree with hot strong winds making it near impossible to save anything in its wake. Fire crews and emergency services worked tirelessly to contain the fires and rescue residents and tourists within these towns and not one person perished thanks to the brave efforts to all concerned.
Traditionally in Australia many people like my husband and I choose to sit at home listeneing and enjoying the 'Carols by Candelight' broadcast on TV each year. But this year many folk along this coastal track were not so priviledged and lost everything and I have written this poem to acknowledge their plight with a saddened heart.
I have 'borrowed' the meter for this poem from one of my favourite Australian poets Banjo Patteson whose poem 'The Man From Snowy River ' I used as my inspiration so I hope he wouldn't mind. (This meter has limited internal punctuation as it is to be read quickly to get the rhythm I hope you find this an interesting style)
Victoria is notorious for raging bushfires in the Hot Australian Summer, and being aware that they can take hold anywhere we never take our hot windy conditions for granted as we have seen so many fires rage and destroy lives and property over many years and this is now another one not to forget.
I hope you enjoy my tribute to this latest fire and hope that the victims of this tragedy can rebuild and enjoy their Christmas Carols next year in safety
The image is one taken of this bushfire
Thank you to all who read this
Cheers Christine
|
|
