Reflections on Australia: My Backyard 1991
When I woke up this Summer morn,
And cast my eyes upon the lawn,
Beauty unfolded there before me,
With little birds dancing happily.
The sun shone brightly on their plumes,
Their glistening dispelling all shadowy looms.
Willy Wagtail stole the show,
With his clickety sound, as he went to and fro.
Away from him on rooftop tall,
Magpie made her presence felt, with her mighty call.
And on the fence posts sparrows cheeped,
As from the gumtree a rosella peeped.
So as I went to begin this day,
I gave thanks for the Australian way.
This way so pleasant to the heart,
When noticed in its entire part.
This sun-covered land is dear to me,
From its arid inland, to the open sea.
Simon C.J. Falk 27 December 1991