Published in Overland Issue Print Issue 199 Winter 2010 · Writing / Main Posts Valley Gutter J K Murphy His rust-wrecked roof with a hole Big as a fist is replaced by Zincalum glittering down the valley, Image of a sundunked tarry road, Its skin a drum bearing The four-beat rap of tyres, The press of adrenalin. His guttering in turn speaks volumes: ‘Rare gouts of rain are made For piping down, And my attendant tiles Are buttresses against bunting wind. And I may gently mock The banging hail, for I sluice it Into a run-off. I am sternly-tested zinc. Therefore, Faith says, I’ll run with Whatever the sky might spill.’ J K Murphy J K Murphy is a Melbourne poet and author of Moving Along – Selected Verse (Puncher & Wattmann). More by J K Murphy › Overland is a not-for-profit magazine with a proud history of supporting writers, and publishing ideas and voices often excluded from other places. If you like this piece, or support Overland’s work in general, please subscribe or donate. Related articles & Essays 1 18 September 202618 September 2026 · Nakata Brophy Prize Announcing the final results of the 2026 Nakata Brophy Prize for Young Indigenous Writers Editorial team Sponsored by Trinity College at the University of Melbourne and supporters, the Nakata Brophy Prize for Young Indigenous Writers, established in 2014, recognises the talent of young Indigenous writers across […] 11 September 202611 September 2026 · Main Posts Announcing the 2026 Nakata Brophy Prize for Young Indigenous Writers shortlist Editorial Team Sponsored by Trinity College at the University of Melbourne and supporters, the Nakata Brophy Prize for Young Indigenous Writers, established in 2014, recognises the talent of young Indigenous writers across […]
