304. If it’s treasure you’re looking for, look in the right spot.

Opal Fields – mounds concealing shafts

Desolate fields,

Mounds concealing shafts

Dug by early fortune-hunters

Hopefully, quitting their stake within

Whiskers of wealth.

Opals, the elusive prey.*

Lightning Ridge.

Hour upon hour

We sieve dusty fields.

Nightfall, open camp,

Laying side-by-side, looking up,

Amazing sky, stunning show

Shooting, sparkling.

Together we gather

A most remarkable treasure.

Daytime: Labouring in the dust for gems. Nighttime: Lying in the dust being gifted them.