Opinion & Perspectives
22 February, 2026
Heed the fire warnings: a poem
St Arnaud's Joy Steer looks back on the devestation caused by recent weather events across the country.
By JOY STEER
LIGHTENING came all night, but then came the rain so it’s alright.
Beautiful soaking rain so I hope it comes again to put out the fires.
Many people have been burnt out, so much sorrow, there’s no doubt.
Livlihoods and animals gone, no wonder everyone is so forborne.
Forty two degrees is how it began and then it just ran.
The wind made it worse, for firemen what a curse.
Pets and wildlife dead also hay stored and the shed.
So many houses in Harcourt where the apples grew, now the town will have to renew.
Unbelieveable the loss, and imagine the cost.
Then last weekend, floods came washed cars out to sea, Hell on Earth it seems to be.
Jesus says “heade the warnings and comt to me. I’m the one that can set you free.”
“Free from fear and want and care. I’m always waiting there.
“Hell is for eternity but it doesn’t need to be.
“Just believe and come to me before it’s too late.”
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