Sometimes the water runs hard
Knocking rock loose
To tumble and gouge
Cutting the gully ever deeper
Knocking rock loose
To tumble and gouge
Cutting the gully ever deeper
Drought leaves the gully quiet
What water there is
Seeps down a shaded wall
Trickles in the valley
So shrubs
Cling up high
And grasses hug the floor
A gum tree has taken root
Life settles in
With warm furry creatures
And insects
Which bring the birds
The cycle will turn again
Rock and water
Will scour the life away
The gully someday becomes a gorge
And life
As it always does
Will return
Until the water runs hard again
The McDonnell Range
Along the Mereenie Loop
Northern Territory, Australia
Along the Mereenie Loop
Northern Territory, Australia
Taken during travels, 1994