Holding Up Traffic

You amble across the road

in the middle of town

as though you own it.

Cars brake, wait in line,

people stare and point

but you just continue

your stately walk

oblivious to us all.

Head high, legs splayed,

your body sways in unison

with neatly placed feet,

your tail outstretched behind,

a long rudder, steering your way.

You may be out of your element

yet you seem at home

confident, assured.

Your front feet leave the asphalt,

touch the softness of grass

at the side of the road.

And suddenly, your dignity,

your regal bearing abandoned,

you scurry lightning-fast

and arrow-straight

for the safety of the nearby bush

as if the devil were after you.

© Linda Visman

16^th December 2007

After seeing a huge goanna cross the road at Neath, NSW, Australia.