Where are the Christmas Beetles?

I always know when Christmas is near

As friends come and stay

They help me decorate my gum trees

In a Christmas sort of way

Many friends have told me they don’t see them any more

Slowly slowly slowly they each tell me more

Waterfalls roll down my cheeks

I miss my friends

I miss the shimmering green and gold reflecting off the sun

I miss the times when they roamed the woodlands looking for food

What will magpies, kookaburras and other birds

Do without my friends?

They love the sparkly beetles and they keep them in check  

Clank clank clank

They must be frightened

Frightened of the noises

Frightened of the machines

Frightened of losing their homes

The extra touch of sparkles from my shimmering guests

 Always makes Christmas time the extra extra best