ONE WORD by BABY ANIMALS. Poem by Michael Leach.

Adelaide, Kaurna Country, 19 June 2015

I roll up to a gig at The Gov called She Who Rocks

with a South Australian friend from uni—she too rocks.

We’re here to hear homegrown bands helmed by Sarah & Suze—

nineties-era rockers who’re as solid as two rocks.

We hear The Superjesus start with(out) Gravity.

My mind floats between Neptune & Earth, between blue rocks.

We rush forward as Baby Animals start their set—

their hyperenergetic opener Rush You rocks.

We can’t believe both bands were dropped from Day on the Green

to leave a lineup that could’ve been called He Who Rocks.

(Broken) hearts sing along to Baby Animals’ One Word.

Soon Suze & Sarah share a mic—water flows through rocks.

When the last encore ends and I say bye to my friend,

I take the tram home and ponder one word—not two—rocks.

Stereo Story #767