Tonight

Tonight: having a quiet beer;

Across the bay;

Something like gunshots I hear!

First one loud, second muffled-

Then I see a fire!

It had me puzzled.

Could be a bonfire?

In a no fire zone?

I put ir down to Christmas cheer..

I mustn't have been alone. 

Back inside: what did I hear?

Five-seven more explosions, loud and clear!

Opened the door: ran out-

As I said, this was happening on the western side of the bay,  the old pacific highway runs that way-

I watched eight or so cars speed off south, and three or so north;

Surprised me a little,  but hoons love the coarse-

Christmas eve,  out for fun, not really hurting anyone. 

Now, the fire is raging: 

Rang an RFS deputy: to see if he knew?

I wasn't sure what else to do?

It still might be a bonfire,  with flames twenty feet high!

I didn't want to call police,  some innocent might die. 

Deputy not answering  (it's nearing midnight (

Left a message with what you read,  and thought I'd call it a night...

From the way I saw it, the fire was tracking in a straight line, cutting a break through the bush.

It looked mighty fine.

I came to the knowledge,  this must be a controlled burn!

Good old RFS, my respect they have earned. 

Just as I was thinking; flashing lights and a siren!

From the fire shed, they sped...

Police arrived minutes later, then another truck;

Christmas eve in sleepy Valley: did anybody see?

Tucked in bed?

Being good for Santa 

Dreaming of presents around the tree..

           Or

Sitting back and watching the show,  thinking,  nothing to do with me!