The Cicada Serenade

by BJ Kirkland

After admiring the colours of the Selwyn Ranges his eyes travel to a landscape painting, which reminds him of the times that he swam naked in Lake Moondarra. He'd love to be there now, preferably with his soul mate. Next, a mining photograph takes him back to the mine where he risked his life to save a child. That incident made him a local hero. Then he spots a young woman standing beside him at the bar.

"I hate drinking alone." She announces before ordering a whisky. His eyes wander, and at first they appraise her athletic body. Finally they engage her exquisite eyes, causing his heart to race. As she fancies this tall trim, blue eyed man she relaxes her lips and softly smiles, while allowing his eyes to disrobe her. Self-conscious, as he is leering at her, he launches his hand to allay his uneasiness.

"Sorry I'm Wally." He announces. Relieved that he hasn't sighted her disability, she also offers her hand.

"Hello, I'm Anna."

So time passes in the cool of the Mt Isa Irish Club, as they drink and chat about everything and nothing. After a few pots he reckons he might ask her along on one of his barramundi fishing trips to Karumba, up north on the Gulf. Next, he tests her with an old joke.

"Did you know that the Mt Isa Irish Club is just a walk from Melbourne?"

Faking ignorance, she asks for the punchline. So he delivers it.

"Because Burke and Wills walked from Melbourne to pass by here." She roars with laughter. "Settle, Anna!" he chuckles. As she pretended to laugh at his joke he reckons that she likes him.

"Fancy another beer Wally"? He smacks his lips and nods while staring forlornly at his empty glass. Anna is now drunk enough to be unpleasant.

"Bet you got called Wally Wanker at school." He pretends to be hurt.

"So you laughed at me, not my joke" She is insecure.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you…." He likes her honesty.

"Forget it girlie, just buy me another beer."

"Don't patronise me old man!" She yells.

"Not old, mature like a fine wine Anna." he quips. He is curious why a young attractive woman is interested in him. "Anna mind if I ask you something?"

"Ask away mate."

"Are you gay?" Immediately he realises that he has completely fouled up.

"You bastard, how could you!" She shouts.

"Everything alright Anna?" Trevor the bar attendant asks. Then as he glares at Wally he says,

"Bugger off home mate you're had enough today!" Before staggering to the door, Wally prevents a child from falling down the stairs. Anna notices this, she wants Wally back.

"Trevor wait it's Ok…!"

"Look Anna if you can take him, I can too---." Trevor concedes. So she calls out,

"Hey mature man, its my shout!" With the door half-open, Wally shrugs.

"Yeah shame to waste a free beer." Wally returns and Trevor commands,

"Just sit down and shut up!" Then for Anna's benefit he adds, "if you talk that way again to Anna ---I'll beat the living daylights out of yah!" There is an uneasy silence so Wally breaks it.

"Anna I am real sorry." Then he nervously swirls the dregs in his glass until he plucks up courage. "It is just that I'm not used to good-looking women." his voice quivers, like a bow string. This causes Anna to feel uncomfortable, so she mimics a southern lady in a western movie.

" Why--I do declare that the gentleman fancies me." Then Wally blurts out.

"You're bloody beautiful!" With an uneasy grin she challenges him.

"Why? --go on, I dare you." So Wally pauses for inspiration. At last he says,

"Anna look out the window tell me what do you see?"

"Hills, lots of em."

"What do you make of each colour?"

"Don't know Wally--but they're pretty."

"Do you like the Selwyn Ranges Anna?" Now she is inspired,

"Oh Wally I love them, it is marvellous how the colours keep changing."

"Now you have it Anna, I first noticed each of your wonderful colours, and now that I have blended them all together you become the most gorgeous woman that I have ever met!" Instantly she weeps, and then she whispers,

"Wally there is something I have to tell you."

"Please Anna don't..!" He doesn't want to lose her. She gently kisses him.

"You saved my life, at first I didn't know, but when you stopped that little girl from falling down the stairs, it all came back." He is astonished.

"You're that little girl that was trapped in the Mill, sorry I couldn't stay to see you off , I was hurt myself." She stares awkwardly at his artificial hand.

"Sorry--I have a new leg too!" She lifts the cuff of her jeans. He is speechless.

"Penny for your thoughts Wally."

"Want to go for a swim with me in Lake Moondarra?" At last, they stroll out into the afternoon heat to the serenading of cicadas.

kirkland@pacific.net.au

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