Friends of Melaleuca WILDCARE

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Melaleuca - a poem

Posted 25 May, 2020
The COVID-19 lock-down has given some Wildcare Friends of Melaleuca members time for reflection and creativity. Rob Banfield, still dreaming of Melaleuca, wrote this poem inspired by the recent working bee.
 Melaleuca sunrise      

Melaleuca

At least that’s what she’s called now. We wonder about her name when the ice crept down... Sun dazzles expectant eyes As they soar in from distant skies Will this place, again, mark each one? Or will some skedaddle into the western sun? He said they would return when waters were imbibed Deep words that her sage carefully scribed Leaden sky, foaming water, a string of island jewels A sudden blaze of white, locals ...and ... their tools What draws them back to this special place? Spirit, mutual care ... escape from the race? Toil and laughter fills the whispering plains But, she can turn ... crack, flash and fill those sedgy drains. Side by side they rally against relentless moist decay Shining, strengthening, renewing ...day after day Day trippers quicken her pulse Seeking pure wilderness, shy parrot, wild release Time stops here Days gently disappear Sun, suds and bracing water Sponsor long nights of restful slumber She has drilled deep under their calloused skin Refreshed, re-centred , pure spirit in the wind Her mantle polished anew They turn and wish her adieu Content from their gentle attention She plans her next seduction (Rob Banfield, 2020)
Photographers - from left to right Line 1 - Archie Donley, Archie Donley, Rik Head Line 2 - David Mitchell, Andy Johnson, Rob Banfield Line 3 - Peter Marmion, Rik Head, Rik Head

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