Magpies are calling
The truce has been won
Hark, prayers singing peace
In the softening sun.

Bloodwoods are blooming
The wattle's in bud
We think of the Anzacs
And from where we have come.

Looking over the shoulder
From summers mad pace
To the cooling and slowing
Bringing rare calming grace.

Thoughts fleet of beaches
In each days ebbing heat
Bulbs peep from soil
The odd scorcher's indiscrete.

Rock orchids branch and reach
Lorikeets feed in the umbrella tree
With New Holland Honey Eaters
Until disturbed when they flee.

The buffalo lawn has slowed
Currawongs call and patrol the crowns
Christmas Bush extends its stems
Crepe Myrtles thin and brown.

Leggy plants are trimmed
Mates get weekend projects done, or
Restful are those basking hours
Basted in the shortening sun.

Barbeques with friends are best
As endless sunny days cool down
Summer anxieties recede again
And the peace of Easter abounds.


24/4/2005

Danny Draper

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/autumn-in-sydney/