Ominous

                                    Richard Russell

SKYWATCH

OMINOUS

(After Patience Strong)

When dark clouds loom and squalls are coming,

When the distant drums of the storm are drumming,

When your little craft seems frail and tossed

And it seems that all you've gained is lost,

Watch out for nature's witchery......

See how it transforms the surrounding sea!

The 'silver-lining' is above, unseen,

But bringing hope with its shimmering sheen.

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LOCAL FORECAST

(Earlier this year)

Our weather forecast tells us 'squalls';

It's the time of year when cold rain falls.

And if the sky should sometimes clear,

It still declares that winter's here,

Because the wind blows cold and shrill

To tell us that it's winter still.

Here, in Sydney a crowd has formed,

Sheltering under umbrellas  (warmed),

To see the Light Show that entrances,

Attracting many admiring glances;

One of the 'cheer-up' shows designed

To make the season seem less unkind.

In Parliament it will be squally too;

Our Politicians take the view

That all we want to hear are rows,

Every insult the law allows!

We're heartily sick of their back-stabbing,

Disagreeing, attention-grabbing.

Winter will end, we'll have warmth, not chill,

But bitter political-speak never will!

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