Gymea Lily

Her sword-like leaves,
Swaying in the summer sea breeze,
Basking in the sunshine,
Surrounded by shrubs and gum trees.

Gymea Lily displays strong colour,
Beauty and strength,
Her grand flower spike stands high,
Up to six meters in length!

Long ago why the Eora mob named you Gymea,
Is still a mystery,
They cooked your stem and roots to eat,
You are part of Australia’s Indigenous history.

Resistant and resilient to summer drought,
Your impressive red petal crown,
Is quite a feat,
Today you are still around to see,
Even on my local street!

Raging Australian bushfires,
Burning, blazing, slashes,
Doesn’t hamper your growth,
You sprout again like a Phoenix from the ashes.