A Cassowary Encouter

[Zondrae]

On our recent trip to Cairns and environs we went to a community market day close to Tully.
I was previously of the opinion that Cassowaries were reclusive birds and kept well away from humans.
UNTIL..

A Cassowary Encounter
 Zondrae King (Corrimal) 08/12

Today I met a Cassowary
You may think this quite contrary
In leafy world, his type abide
I was alone, concrete beside.

Our meeting serendipity
I looked at him, he looked at me.
It was, for both, a neat surprise
when captured by each others eyes.

He walked in from his forest green,
to my concrete; a city scene.
He saw the fruit held in my grip
and he was on a hunger trip.

Now I have heard of Cassowaries;
how their disposition varies.
How he could, with slash of claw
move my innards to the floor.

He stood erect, in feathered cloak
then suddenly his stillness broke.
His eyes intent on orange lunch;
The dirt beneath his claws went crunch.

I shifted fruit out of his sight
and trying hard to hide my fright,
I moved away; I backward stepped.
I watched him, just in case he leapt.

His face was coloured white, blue and red.
He wore a helmet on his head.
They say that animals smell fear
and I was glad my car was near.

I jumped inside and watched his path
and hoped there’d be no aftermath.
At last he turned and went away
back to his bush where he would stay.

I’m glad I saw that mighty bird
and now I think my fear absurd.
He seemed quite tame and I am sure
he’s had handouts somewhere before.

[Neville Briggs]

Good on you Zondrae. One is apt to encounter wild things in Queensland ....... animals too

[Rimeriter]

Closest I've been is with them behind a chainlink fence.

But, I like you thoroughly enjoy nature however one comes across it.

We continue to have our daily morning Magpie visits.

Seems like they are in no hurry to return to 'Back 'o Bourke'.
Jim.

[Zondrae]

sorry,
I couldn't get the photo to come up and I mis-typed the heading. I really need a new keyboard! It does what it likes. (Note to self: that's right, blame the tools!)

[thestoryteller]

An interesting bird the Cassowary.

Enjoyed the read.


Merv.