The Hawkesbury River

The birds scatter from their perches as a boat approaches,

Its white hull cuts through the muddy, brown water. 

The cruiser behind the speedboat is carrying people, 

snapping photos of the incredible nature along the rivers banks.

Fishermen cast their lines, hoping for a catch, 

Since the floods, there have been almost no fish in the river.

Pretty birds glide by, flapping their wings and 

perching on casuarina branches and squawking to the world.

Children jump into the water, making big splashes and ripples, 

Their parents sit on the shore with a picnic blanket.

The tall, green trees line the bank of the river on one side,

Providing life to birds, possums and lizards.

The ants forage for seeds and water on the ground while 

birds snack on the sweet eucalypt flowers. 

The river is a place for people to relax.