Flowering Gum

Corymbia ‘Summer Red’ blooms
its show of vibrant carmine and crimson pink.

Post summer-rain,
delicate cups open out and offer their bounty to
Yellow- and Black-Striped Beings
who nuzzle, and guzzle the heavenly nectar.

Oscillate in the wind, Graceful Gum.
Dance in your night.
Perform with the sweet songbirds sitting tight
in your colourful commune.

Picnic blanket draped across ancient soil,
Vegemite sandwiches and strewn Freddos.
Beating sun and slap of sunscreen.
Rows of ants march by: sister screams.

Corymbia, you radiate shade and calm amidst the chaos.

Grip your ancient soil with sturdy fingers,
Grand Gum.
Stand tall with ease.
And as warmth transforms to winter cold,
cloak your flowers against the light frosts to come.