Coober Pedy, Australia

is carved into rock, where
underground homes can escape
from the sun
and the excitement of an opal hunt
flavours today’s conversation,
with visitors soon arriving
in spite of 40c on the earth surface,
eagerly joining
our treasure of anticipation
to be found in glittering green,
mindful of choking dust
and climbing humps of hillsides,
a part of the confrontation
of back-then mining
days, and noodling tomorrow
indeed our heart’s pleasure.

© Richard L. Provencher