Oh, Melaleuca – a poem
OH, MELALEUCA ON A SUMMERS DAY Oh,
Melaleuca lashed with wild relentless summer rain
ferocious winds flattens button grass on the plain
Orange-Bellied Parrots fledglings leaving the nest
wondering if nature will allow survival of the rest
the rest of these endangered migrating parrots
dependent on protection of their feeding habitats
Oh, Melaleuca a hidden valley covered in morning mist unspoiled ancient landscape gateway to all this history history display generations survival in the wild
hard yakka, determination & spirit are the key
the key to immense courage for future generations
intertwined & yet free you are the wilderness for me
Oh, Melaleuca what can I possible even dream to say
you certainly got under my skin on this summer’s day
I feel like Alice in the most amazing wonderland
stepping into a book of this historic & mystic landscape
surrounded by beaut wildlife & a mining atmosphere
you are the wilderness, oh how I bow & long for thee
Oh, Melaleuca on a hot blazing & windy summers day
Fire in the Deny Kings tractor shed billowing hot coals
like a surreal Bond movie the valley in full action
helicopter, planes, tractor & bush fire brigades active
Locals, care takers, scientists, wildlife photographers,
students, tourists, fishermen, hunter & volunteers united
Oh, Melaleuca such a stunning piece of paradise disrupted
the mighty hunter disguised in his best camouflage gear
he just stood there throwing a shadow on the weir
reflecting on the history of the black Currawong
the mighty hunters rifle fired a precise & fatal shot
in honour of the flight of the Orange-Bellied Parrot
Oh, Melaleuca full of wild open spaces engraved in our hearts
standing high on Kings Knob with panoramic views
wondering about the sun’s rays so heavenly displayed
what on earth will the future of Melaleuca unfold
like the ancient boomerang we are all destined to return
return together with the Orange-Bellied Parrots
melWritten by Aase Bladt – January 2017 in Melaleuca