Paul calls me Betty,
you call me Bee,
I call the cows to visit me
beside the fence on this summer day
but they stay
under the Red Gum Tree,
and one 'girl' only turns around
and watches me:
for a long, long time - - -
I call
her
Betty.
Bobby and I were walking
along a dirt track,
in brown snake land near Bell Springs.
I wore my Akubra
and Old Bob came with his favourite
part to start - - - -
His Happy Tail.
So later in the day,
when his tail tells a weary story
I give him a lift on my hip.
Back home again.
And, just now - - - -
Oh joy! A happy surprise!
On the brick window-sill,
under my little lemon tree,
a tiny Spinifex-hopping-mouse
climbed up to the glass to visit me - - - - -
I am so delighted
as they are tiny, native creatures
and I have only ever seen this sweet one
from time to time, feeding on grass seeds.
And so, from the wonderfully still cows
resting in the long dry grass,
to a super-fast, hopping mouse,
face to face through the window glass.
I am indeed, feeling most happy.