Survival of the Marsh Gum

Dry 

Becoming prey of fire 

          Fleeting defences of wet soil

The only true shield  

They seek precipitation 

Their saving grace

    Begging and praying

  For their lives 

To be saved 

From the brute

Himself 

The inferno is near

Raging 

Ripping 

            Through Marsh Gum

Like a game 

For  pleasure

The game

Of take 

Or be taken.