Waitara Creek
when the sun broke through
after the storm
the grass plants ferns and palms
here in the understory of the bush
lit up like fairy lights
and the dappled shadows
swayed gently
bringing the path alive
a whole different world
to the moody grey-green
mystery of just before
all the time
there was work going on
frogs acrocking in the wet
whip birds were chatting
and a few other birds high in the canopy
were exchanging news
how interesting it would be to interpret
many lizards and water dragons
out sunning themselves
popped away with a rustle
as I stepped quietly along
brusk turkeys wander along
white butterflies flitted and feed
amongst the flowering weeds
bees were busy
and the creek was gurgling
along in the background
enjoying its fast bountiful flow
the track follows the Waitara Creek
lined with second generation
amazing patchy coachwood trees
then our of the valley
with its mystery and intrigue
climbing out to the open woodlands
where if you look up
you can see a crimson rosella
but also the encroachment
of suburban sprawl
high in the trees birds were busy
but the inevitable had happened
in the understory bush retreat
where i discovered the fairy wren before
the bush was gone
birds were silent
the inevitable planned back-burn
necessary
for the fire risk
when the dry heat of summer sets in
has taken the bush retreat of the little birds
devastated i stand and ponder –
how can we find a way to be and let be?
