Animals Down Under

High in the gum tree
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!