Red Dust

Renmark: said to mean ‘red mud’

I am made of red dust and water.

Yes, even in this driest state –
at least fifty percent water.

I have learned from the salt plains
to sing quietly through drought,
to stretch out in wait
and in full sun

until it rains again.

River-town Home

Renmark, South Australia

A depth of memories
wrapped in light splashes,
it was here I went to school
and learned maths
but I still can’t calculate
the time.
I am a prime number here –
the child before the years
took over.

Linda Kohler lives in Adelaide but grew up on a fruit block outside Renmark. Red dust there, she says, was certainly her experience at times. Her poetry has been published in various Australian journals and anthologies, including previous contributions to InDaily Poet’s Corner. She has been a highly commended applicant for the Australian Society of Authors Poetry Mentorship Program, a waitress, a television scriptwriter, proofreader and teacher. Her inspiration comes from the natural world and the beauty of the human spirit.

Readers’ original and unpublished poems of up to 40 lines can be emailed, with postal address, to [email protected]. Submissions should be in the body of the email, not as attachments. A poetry book will be awarded to each accepted contributor.