A Deadly EncounterA Poem by KeithWe have scary things in Australia!
There are so many deadly creatures To which our land plays host. Its seems that in Australia, Is where you'll find the most. You may venture into the outback, But be careful if you dare. There's a chance you'll meet a monster That is guaranteed to scare. It comes to life when the sun has set The wildlife flee in
fright. We call it the Aussie Road Train It's road kill a gruesome sight. A nasty encounter of my own The subject of this rhyme. I will tell you how it happened, Blow by blow and in real time. Around midnight out of
the Alice, With a long long way to
go. I am stuck behind a road train That seems a trifle
slow. It is going less than a hundred But I have a burning yen, To make it to Darwin
tomorrow So I need to be doing a hundred and ten. There's a flash of the
right indicator! The sign for "OK to go". Gentlemen of the road with their own code Shared only with those in the know. High in his cab he sees far ahead And told me it's OK to pass. I slam it into four
throttle to the floor Gotta get this old ute off its arse. I steer across those
double white lines It's OK I'm perfectly sure. Coz everyone knows that
Truckie Code Stands way above the
law. Now I see the entire
road train With trailers one two
three and four. At least one more than
I bargained for I am in for a struggle
for sure. Out of the slipstream
catching the air The going just got a
bit hard. The poor old ute is
bravely fighting For every hard earned
yard. This process is taking
way too long, I am feeling bit of a
failure. I haven't yet been able
to pass That number four road
train trailer. I am saying a prayer
to Brocky, I know that’s really
absurd. But he'd understand the
need for speed And maybe put in a
word. If there are racing
cars in heaven He is bound to have
some pull. I would like it if my full
throttle Could be just a bit
more full. Trailer three gives a lurch and a sway So close to my passenger door. With my wheels already on gravel I can't move over any more. I seem to be on a bend with no end And I cannot
see what lies ahead. I can feel the anxiety
building So many questions race
through my head. At trailer two I am
pondering Was passing really
essential? I am wondering about
this driver, His integrity and
driving credentials. Was that blinker flash
really for me? The whole situation
feels wrong. Is there another
explanation? Did he bump the blinker
re-lighting his bong? Passing trailer one with the feeling That I am in mortal
danger? Am I in this pickle from putting trust, In the hands of a
faceless stranger? Could this driver now
be showing off To his brand new lady
spouse? Probably a tattoed
charmer, Picked up at the last
road house? Did he give her a shake
so she'll awake Saying "Sit up
don't miss this Yvonne I arranged a special
treat for you I have set up another
head on!" My mind is creating
scenarios, Of only destruction and
horror. None of them include
the slightest hint Of any sort of tomorra! I finally draw
alongside the cab, The driver too high to see, With red face horns and
a pitchfork, I imagine him to be. There's a sign on the
driver's door, Does it really boast
Road Toll? It confirms this road
train driver Is a low life sicko troll. In a moment or so my
fate I'll know Will my ordeal finish? He dips his lights I
flick mine high I feel my fear
diminish. There are red and white
reflectors As far as the eye can
see, Not a car or critter on
the road That’s a beautiful
sight to me. In the distance on
the horizon They converge to a
single dot. This wonderful scene so
brightly lit, By my hundred megawatt
spot. Our road train drivers
are the best I’ll stand by my
assertion. Please ignore any hasty
remarks That may have cast
dispersions. The name on the door I
thought I saw, Well I might have made
an error. Probably just a
dyslexic thing In a weak moment of
terror. That company name it is
"Toll Road" They employ the very
best. Clean living gents atop
of their game, Who would clearly pass
any test. But now something's wrong with my old Ute It is shaking off its tits, I think it's about to fall apart Into tiny little bits. The reason is clearly apparent When I take a look at the clock, It’s doing a hundred and forty And that is quite a shock. That is significantly faster Than I thought it could do, So I am beginning to wonder, Did Brocky really come through? I have now slowed the old ute down To a calmer hundred and ten. But wait,
what the hec is going on? Why are things still shaking then? Oh crap its a case of the jitters,
Apparently its only me. It seems that I need to pull over, And make a nice cuppa tea. I pull up in the next
truck stop My heart still beating
fast. I get my billie from
the back, And wave as he rumbles
past. I sit and drink my cup
of tea My knees have nearly
stopped shaking. I am reflecting on my
life And this journey that I'm taking. Wise words from an elderly
bushman Keep ringing in my
ears. A crusty old outback resident, He’s been around for quite a few
years. He insisted " Follow those road
trains, It is the only way to go. Let them smack into the camels, And the odd water buffalo.”. I encounter another road train, This time doing ninety nine, “Passing lane 10
Kilometres”, Says the dusty yellow sign. So it seems that I can pass safely , About six minutes ahead. But I don't think I will bother, Happy to follow instead.
© 2013 KeithAuthor's Note
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StatsAuthorKeithGippsland, Victoria, AustraliaAboutI grew up on a diet of Australian bush poetry. Now a business consultant, I spend far too much time on aeroplanes and in hotels, I use this time to write. I like to tell stories and have fun. If y.. more..Writing
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