When the water subsided

When the water subsided

air cleaned of whistle and fog

debris swept from lawns, roads

living rooms ghosts

flattened shingles and twisted metal  treasures

there was so much silence

the tap of your hand

on my arm

was a sonic boom

compressing every sound wave

into one

gigantic sigh.

*****

Authors for Queensland made over $20,000 for the Flood Appeal! I enjoyed it so much (and Qlders now have the Yasi cyclone aftermath too), that I've decided to offer my last 5 stock copies of Repulsion Thrustposted anywhere for anyone who donates $10 or more to https://telethon.smartservice.qld.gov.au/donations/index. Just email me the receipt and your postal address and I'll get a copy to you straightaway. Thank you!