Gavin Austin
Refuge
The long hot summer erupted with an intense temper tantrum. Now, sulking dark cloud drifts north, diminishing to a tattered scarf of trailing contrition
it left the baked earth an unexpected gift of expanses of water reflecting the exhausted sky
an ibis, on long spindly legs treads the silver-skinned lakes, probing in frenzy
with its long scythe-beak
and all the frogs of the district begin a raucous song of praise. The parched land now expectant with life for another season
pushing
shadows aside for now
remission
the window of escape
back into a life
About the Author
Gavin Austin lives in Sydney, Australia. He writes short fiction, short plays, and poetry. His work has appeared in many Australian and international publications.