Strange Waters

Strange Waters

It's an easy love—this desert,
invisible seeds
dissolve within my veins,
tears squeezed from cacti
heal the arid wounds.

Ants form a guard of honour
for you and me,
side by side
on a clay-pan bed
with goannas for company.

A western wind ripples the sand,
spinifex grasses whisper a pledge.
Hungry tongues
track a thirsty squall,
heat settles upon well-oiled skin.

Organic fireworks seal our union
across a burnt-out haze,
twilight fumbles on a cool surge.
We are falling
but there are no ravines.

Tumbling shadows present
the currents of nightfall.
We swim in a waterless splash,
hands in desperate touch
hold back the waves.