Cusp by Chantal McAllister.


On the cusp – venturing near the edge.
Teetering precariously, we waiver.
Our immigration pending, our hearts and
Lives in suspense.
Waiting for the official to seal the final step of
Our tedious journey.

Australia – Outback – beyond our wildest dreams,
Lays the promise of a new tomorrow.
The dawn of an unknown Northern Territory.
Salties and freshwater crocs – pursed in neat designer styles.
Shoes, bags and backyards reflect Aussie taste, style and pluck.

Bats, geckos and the hiss of the reclusive Taipan cursed,
Box o’ jellies floating venomously down current,
Roo’s rinse off the tropical heat and languor in the shade of a palm –

Sweltering degrees bleach the brilliant blue indigenous sky.
Clouds gather – roll, pitch, flatten, build then burst,
Welding large soft drops of soaking rain.

Refreshing drops of our saviour’s blessings pour down
On our “green backs” – as frilled necks: parched, open up
Their wide necked umbrellas to collect God’s promised showers.
Joy springs forth as the bright red soil soaks; reminding one
Of the glorious blood red stains of the old ruggard cross;

Transforming; perceiving anew – the age old redemptive plan.
Marching with hearts open:
To know our purpose amongst the tall, lean upright gum trees.

WHAT IS IT GOD? (That you want us to do?)
Crusty cakes of red earth mud formed; (– an antitheist to the white soft snowballs- we know);
In the rough childish hands of a curly haired indigenous boy.
How do we share your Gospel in this dry and thirsty land?

Are we the palm trees in this wilderness?
Spreading y(our) great arms of love out to others –
Affording shade to the emus and galahs?
Will this indigenous son call you “Father”?

Navigating the blue crocodile infested bay to Wagait Beach,
Or green swamp Black Jungle Pools,
Where beady eyed / ancient horned creature, lies in wait –
Attempting to stall or force salvation.

Share the Gospel;
Build a life amongst the gum trees;
Fish among the deep rural sea of faces.
Fisher of man, woman and child.

YOU know and we will follow YOUR call.