Animals Down Under
High in the gum tree
mocking the world with laughter
the Kookaburra
mocking the world with laughter
the Kookaburra
Tranquil with concern
frozen in grief, stares unmoved
the Kookaburra
Thoughtful and serious
with philosopher’s wisdom
the old Pelican
Thin tall and slender
in shallow river waters
the Blue Heron stalks
Swinging and gliding
all in white, brightly shining,
the Heron soars by
Perched high on a branch
undisturbed devours his catch
the great mighty Eagle
On the breakfast table
for ham ‘n’ eggs greedily raid
Crimson Rosellas
At sundown, shrieking
Cockatoos rave in wild mobs
high through the tree tops
The small Galaxis
on slippery rocks won’t climb
when the sun don’t shine
Clinging to branches
Koalas drowsily dream
in sunny tree forks
On leafy branches
clumsily as in trances
young Koalas climb
Clad in black membranes
Flying Foxes playfully
grab for juicy fruits
The sluggish Wombat
hiding away from daylight
dug deep in the ground
With bright sparkling eyes
curious Emus eagerly
inspect the new guests
Way below the cliffs
through green-blue waves joyfully
happy Dolphins play
Out from their burrow
in a deep hole in the tree
the young Possums squeak
Despite your keen zeal
you never ever may get
Platypus to see
'cause it may retreat
with or without real need, please
watch me Wallaby’s feet!