LOST
1.
Over the browns and
ginger of that month.

Rain on the day and gangs of
silver mist
loitered.
First light ink-brush fingers
combed the distance / soothing
the arch back of stone.

2.
They are waiting
for the word
in weatherblown, torn khaki plastic.

Torrents
in angry fusillade dropping from the clouds against
the obdurate calm of the waters,
as like opposing elements
this downpour is no relation
to the lake's still
or the earthbound beard of ice clinging
brittle beneath overhangs.

Tears
& other human stuff
bounce off the pink sand.

3.
Some have dived to find the hidden shore,
pressed fingers on the old beach.

And sunsets still bring rose to the water
as the lake lies buried beneath itself.


From Nitty Gritty (Five Islands, 1997

Lake Pedder was a pristine Tasmanian Highlands wilderness which was dammed for hydroelectricity.  The fight to save this is a landmark in the national environment movement.