Raindrops on the casuarina needles 

begin their dismemberment of the meagre sunlight;

defying gravity they hang,

inverted necklaces in still air.

No slanting fall of intermittent rain disturbs them;

if there is any movement it is a slow

drop above drop

slide

down the green thread of the needle

and no cold breeze has set the pendants swinging.

A moment of sunlight;  the gleam of ruby, emerald or sapphire 

displaces the clarity and flash of diamond.


The neighbour gum stands with subdued hues,

olivine leaves and wet dark ochre bark

a background for the jewels' bright display. 

Trees of minerals.

But it is the casuarina that maintains 

this pyramid of gems.