The Westerlies

Unpredictable when ever they stir
For sure these Westerlies know how to blow
These "forties" roar in southern hemisphere
At a wink their eyes change style as they flow.

They change their names in the northern hemisphere
At any time they strut their stuff each day
They fly across the Tasman Sea down here
They prance over huge terrain in their way.

Many names for Westerlies do abound
They spin from the west then twirl and then nest
In the Auckland Harbour they can be found
Circumpolar whirl that name is the best.

It's October and spring still in the air
Waitemata Harbour thinks it's too long
Windsurfers sail the sky this time of year
In Orewa Westerlies bring sad song.

The south Westerlies are gusty and strong
The sky once blue has quickly turned to grey
Heavy rain keeps pouring down on the throng
Floods are everywhere in Poverty Bay.

©Paterika Hengreaves
October 2004/Hibicus Coast, Orewa, New Zealand