An Ode to Shopkeepers (Katoomba) I stepped onto the streets tonight Of old Katoomba's southern side, The wind is blowing here and there It might soon be snowing everywhere … there's a lot of winter in the air … I walk alone past sleepy shops And windows l

An Ode to Shopkeepers (Katoomba)

I stepped onto the streets tonight
Of old Katoomba's southern side,
The wind is blowing here and there
It might soon be snowing everywhere
… there's a lot of winter in the air …

I walk alone past sleepy shops
And windows lit by lemon drops
A skyline pipped with chimney tops –
It's quiet when the music stops
… it's quiet everywhere …

I look up to the southern sky
Where gum-trees shake their arms and strive
Towards the moon as it tries to shine
And the stars keep saying the end is nigh
… but we hope it’s not yet time to die …

For the folks who live upon this hill,
Are the folks who pass through fires still,
After waiting for the rains to dry,
They grit their teeth and wryly smile,
… even if they'd rather cry …

You know that they won't sleep tonight,
You know that they can't sleep tonight,
But in the morning they will rise.
For there's still a fire burns inside,
… you can see it in their eyes …

So, if you think of old K-town tonight,
Grab a blanket, hold on tight,
Pray that we will be alright,
That we might still dance by firelight
… even when winter's in the air …

For winter now is everywhere…