The Falls

I lick the spray as it blows on my lips,

From the falls as they tumble down ancient red cliffs,

Deep green forests stretch before us for miles,

I look at my mum; she looks back and smiles,

We walk through the forest’s majestic tall trees,

The scent of the pines drifts down on the breeze,

Mixing with sweet smells of colourful flowers,

What a magical place! I could stay here for hours!

Then we hear a harp, a flute, a toy,

A video game! What a song! What a joy!

His long feathers shimmer and bounce overhead as he dances,

A lyrebird - how lucky! What are the chances?!

But that was then, back in ‘23

It’s all gone now; there’s nothing to see,

The forests, the flowers, the lyrebirds  too,

I look at my daughter; if only she knew…

I gaze at the rocks so lifeless and dry,

I turn to my daughter, I can’t help but sigh.

She looks up at me as I blink back a tear,

Confused, she asks: “Mum, why did you bring me here?”