The dogs barked all night long
In an ill wind blowing over MIALLU
Dispersing its name in all directions
Leaving the rusty gate naked
Not satisfied this ill born wind
Pushed over the pots in orchids row
Leaving everyone rattled and febrile
The dogs circling around the chooks' pen
Refused to return to their own territory
Ready to keep guard all day if necessary
Truly the hens didn't seem to mind
Around Spring equinox
That ill wind kissed
The shrinking billabong
Drying up the yellowing paddocks
Under its lingering caress.
Lucette C. Bailliet
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