RAIN

With lollipop eyes the lollipop drops
changed gutters into streams
that sail the Woodbine packet ships
to ocean's youthful dreams.

Washed clear of chalked enclosing map
of hop-scotched rigid lace,
smooth pavement cedes to summer rain,
bare canvas on stone face.

Clean match and cotton, paper sails,
kept 'full and by' the blow,
with deepest holds all crammed and sealed,
gold treasures down below.

Now! 'Hard a'lee', and watchful eye
is peeled in nest on high;
for brigands sail these seven seas
with swords and black-patched cry.

But stoutest heart and broadest sword
dismiss all wayward throng;
and humble now, on bended knee,
is cheered by royal song.

High praise for deed; for valour shown
at Her Majesty's command.
Armadas' vanquished
In boyhood dreams
in the gutters of England.


Reg Kear (c) 1996 Australia