LAUREL LAMPERD

Laurel Lamperd lives on the south coast of Western Australia

She writes poetry, short stories and novels. She has had two novels, 'Substitute Bride' and 'Wind from Danyari', published by Wings ePress and a children’s novel, 'The Battle of Boodicuttup Creek', published by You Write On/ Legend Press. A poetry and short stories anthology 'The Ink Drinkers' published in collaboration with her friend, the poet, Sue Clennell.

All books are available from Laurel. llamperd@wn.com.au
http://laurel6346.tripod.com

 

Koombana Bay

Walking along Koombana Beach
to Port McCleod
the sun setting beyond Rocky Point
on Back Beach
I watch for the dolphins
but they are away
frolicking upon some far off wave
catching a last fish for the day.

I look to the west again.
You used to come from there
to our rendezvous.

I reach the spot where we met
and try to remember you
fifty years ago
slender
long hair tied in a ponytail
firm brown legs in shorts
but images of our granddaughter intercede
and I see her, not you
as you once were.

Memories are fleeting
tiny cameos
like rain drops on spring mornings.

Suddenly you came
sneaking from beneath the image
of our granddaughter.
I hang onto your smile
as desperately as I held onto your life
but the smile has gone
as you have
and I walk alone
beside the darkening waters
of Koombana Bay.


Published in Southerly