A Farmer’s Lament

reclining on the verandah
surveying the land he owns,
longing for his love – Amanda
sadness breath goes through his bones.

the fertile valley of their dreams
memories dance before him,
working through weather of extremes
fading sun begins to dim.

her laughter now lost to shadows
a tear rolls down his well-worn skin,
his eyes searching for green meadows
but all he sees is pain within.

the livestock grazing unaware
of the grief that's in his heart,
beside him sits her empty chair
stark reminder that their apart.

he views the creek that wanders by
where he first declared his love,
cockatoo's fly free in a dancing sky
theatre of woes from up above.

he ponders the days ahead
no hand to hold for comfort,
for his loving bride is dead –
sorrow, it seems triumphant…

grandchildren play oblivious
dancing glee before his eyes,
joy of life mysterious
blessings hiding in disguise.

a roo bounding, as thunder rolls
storm brewing against blue skies,
beauty alive within their souls
not dismissed when someone dies.

the world he knew is torn apart
season's promise may now seem bleak,
but when held in the Father's heart
he will find refuge that's unique.

she lays at rest beside their tree
sad farewell to his Amanda,
from cancer's curse she's now set free
healed, at home on God's verandah.

Footnote: Australian Terms
roo = Kangaroo
Cockatoo = Australian Native bird
verandah = porch attached to a house