Lechnautia and Smoke bush rustle a smile,
while Kangaroo Paws stand tall and proud.
Baronia and Wattle are always close by.
bold as Ned Kelly calling out aloud.

I hear a crow caw such a piercing sound,
Mudlarks and Magpies challenge his call.
Parrots chatter overhead with a flutter of wings,
Willie Wag Tail appears to ignore them all.

The heat of the day seems never to end,
harsh punishment for anyone caught.
Bush animals sleep in some shady haven,
a lesson in survival very early on taught.

Finally the sun sets giving welcome relief,
once dazzling blue now a flaming sky on fire.
Its just another day in this great Aussie bush,
where effects off any weakness can only be dire.

Dusk brings forth much life with action and stir,
Kangaroo’s and Emu’s are now well awake.
A cool summer breeze sets them off for the night,
scratching and munching or seeking a mate.

This is the wildlife of my country and home,
so much loved, ever so deep in my heart.
She can be rugged, chancy or dangerous,
But I would die inside if we ever had to part.

by Tracy Willet
1999