Day Out

Sheep white against the deep greens.
And waterfalls
like painters’ mistakes
cascading in milky, mile long lines.

Half finished towns
crouch too close to the road, ramshackled wood
painted bright colours or stained deep red.
Mapuche ride horses, ponchos grubby from work,
stray dogs lick puddles and I practice my Spanish,
rehearsing words.. parade, estaciones.

A winding road of black broken rock
up to hill-billy farms;
rabbits, goats graze and horses
lean out to look us over.

distant drums did beat
that lonely night
when I was all alone
sleeping in the veiled forest
life seemed to drudge along
there was none to hear my song
in the far distant time at night
I heard drums on my transistor
some folks were like me
in a far off jungle merrying
they must have been lonely too
but they were enjoying
as much as I wished to

The black dog

caught up with me

darting from shadow

to shade, I see the

bloodshot eyes

of a rabid hell

he stalks with ears laid back

slowly baring white fangs

my legs turn to jelly

the end may be here

In silence I give in

walking into the mist

with the smell of death

permeating everything 

there is no running now

no escape from his hell

I am bound to watch

as he rips at my entrails

my last breath is ready

China Doll
With eyes of glass
Cry invisible tears
Each time you pass

Molded lips
painted red
Silent words
Never said

Carelessly tossed
With all the scraps
One of life's cruel mishaps

Broken limbs
Tiny pieces
Glued haphazardly
Alone she sits
In her misery