Morning light sneaks through the gum trees branches
Awaking kookaburras who laugh at the dawn.
Perhaps they sense the human condition
And our reluctance to face the day with quite the same fervour.
The possum retires to a secret place;
He's been on night shift.

Green, green and green are the leaves of the gum trees,
Yet as varied as people in their different shades
And highlighted by the sun who displays them in their perfection.
The light not only 'does them justice'
But reveals their true beauty.

Meanwhile the other birds have formed their treetop choir.
Who composed the song they're singing?
Each entry is perfectly timed and perfectly in tune.
Where is the conductor?
When did they rehearse and who auditions for this choir?

The birds always look so neat and tidy
Yet it has to be said that the female's wardrobe
Is not that extensive.
Some trees have lost branches, which nestle
In neighbouring trees who have broken their fall.

There is a pride out there where the trees stand tall,
The birds sing without inhibition and the occasional plane
Majestically passes overhead bringing in it's passengers.
Some are returning; others coming to view this for the first time.
Just as people differ, so does the landscape

And this is Australia.

02/26/2002