Winter is done in theory,
but only the wannest of suns
breaks through the clouds,
and the wind that blows
is of the ill kind today,
third day of spring, in theory as I say.
Rain and floods again beset
the coast - hard done by
those folk whose houses are yet again
immersed in mud and brown water.

As I walk up the slight slope
the beautiful straight grey smooth bark gum
towering on the southern side,
(which had always evoked memories of her)
has gone, just as she did years ago,
leaving a fresh scarred stump,
just as she did those years ago.
Why the tree, and why oh why she!?