On the Western Edge of the Tanami

by Maria Bonar

Sugared peach sunset over mauve flat
top hills, backdrop to the dry creek bed.
The lingering aroma of steak, damper
and woodsmoke drifting westwards,
campfire waning to glowing embers.

A battered Akubra silhouette, cradled
in the silver curve of a crescent moon.
Swags on ancient pindan beside honey
scented acacia, under a galaxy of stars
and planets sparking in the night sky.

Falling asleep to the sounds of cattle
bedding down on nearby Billiluna,
brumbies whickering and whinnying
to each other and the muted thump
of rock wallabies foraging in the hills.

• Billiluna, also known as the
  Mindibungu Aboriginal Community,
  is 150 kilometres south of Halls Creek
  in the East Kimberley region of
  Western Australia, on the western
  edge of the Tanami Track.