Hazel Hall

I almost hear Tom Waits

We’re driving interstate past tiny citrus blocks, beside a dwindling river.  ‘For Sale’ signs droop over many fences. The air smoulders with neglect. As the sun begins its benedictory descent, we come across a huge fertile area. Russet earth is damp and healthy. Juicy fruit glows under glossy leaves. It’s a scene so surreal that we stop in wonder. Even our old car lights up for a moment with a tangerine glow. We gaze at the quiet scene as the sun slips into memory. 

orchard light
a pale orb picks its way
through silhouettes
I almost hear Tom Waits
singing Grapefruit Moon

I look up. See the first star. 

‘Another consortium,’ spurts my husband. The words are engulfed in darkness as I start the car.

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About the Author

Hazel Hall is a well-published Australian poet, musicologist, and lifelong learner who loves collaborating with other artists. Her latest collections are Step by Step (Picaro Poets 2019), Moonlight Over the Siding (Interactive Press 2019), and Severed Web  (Picaro Poets 2020). Her sonnet collection A Hint of Rosemary is forthcoming.