Work Text:
I long for the solitude of mountains
Where the birdsong lifts beyond the sky
Where the white clouds stream
Over peaks of deep blue-green
And the gold sun glitters in my eye
I yearn for the embrace of the valley
Where the insects swarming as they sing
Through the cool, damp air
By the creek that rushes there
And the bellbirds softly, sweetly ring
I ache for the steadiness of cliff tops
For the black winged cockatoo that flies
Where the brisk wind moans
While the swaying gum trees groan
And that gold-tailed storyteller cries
I am wistful for the winding river
As it carves it's way down to the plains
How it shines in the light
Water gleaming diamond-bright
And the surface ripples with the rains
I am home in the wilderness of bushland
Feel the warm earth breathe beneath my feet
The cicadas drum
While the native bees all hum
And the kookaburras laughing with the beat
I'm at peace with the danger of the mountains
Where the lightning crackles cross the sky
When it strikes upon dry ground
Fire burns the bushland down
And on hot and smoky wind the embers fly
I'm in love with the rebirth of the valley
Here the black, scarred land of ash and gloom
Healing rains are drawing near
And new leaves will soon appear
Then this burnt ancient land will be in bloom
I'm alive with the thrill of wind-whipped clifftops
Where the bushfire blackened scars don't last
Timeless stories to behold
Etched in sandstone faces, gold
Bearing witness to the present and the past
I'm content for the ever flowing river
Bringing life to all the land it journeys through
See it glitter crystal-clear
Where the water birds draw near
It's enabling the cycle to renew
I belong to the eternity of bushland
For it has no ending and no start
When I behold it I could cry
From now til the day I die
It will always have a home within my heart