Stranger

In the town where
no-one was a stranger
when one came
they stood out.
A specimen to be examined,
described, named, labelled.
Approached only after thorough inspection
of stance, clothes actions.
Became the conversation starter for the day -
" Did you see that stranger
at the shop?
In torn jeans,
red shirt.
Looked as if he was living in his car.
Leaned on the counter.
Bought a pie and Coke,
paid with a $20 note.
No shoes.
Shifty."

As I listen for silence

I hear leaves ride the breeze

water hit stone

the tick tick clock

a machine clunk around

two doors down

a chive flower open

splittery splash of bird bath-time

new growth push through air

every hair rise on my cool skin.

one morning when

one morning when
the clothesline was hung with water beads
the power-line was hung with galahs
I saw
a black shouldered hawk hunched
on a lookout post
a hoodie of clouds pulled over his head

hunting birds grow thin in winter
as reptiles sleep the cold away
and small birds hide from rain

I saw
a grey and white cat
squashed on the highway
between bush and streets
its belly full of natives
clawed from lower branches
a streak of mince under Caution Wide Load Wheels
the head still intact
popped eyes stared in the direction of a fireside.

COMING SOON!!

COMING SOON to this blog a NEW POEM!!
Thanks to all my visitors and commentators for being so patient.
Heart,
CC.
XXO

This is not a POEM.
This is a NOTICE.