'WILD & WONDERFUL AUSTRALIA" Winner.

[Glenny Palmer]

Here is Shelley Hansen's lovely prizewinning poem for the "Wild & Wonderful Australia' category of the 2016 Copper Croc Awards. Congratulations Shelley!

Rich Beyond All Measure © Shelley Hansen

I have watched the Winter beauty of a Thargomindah sunrise
as it washes rosy brush strokes on the silhouette of dawn.
I have listened to the kookaburra herald forth with laughter,
calling out that "all is well" as he proclaims another morn.

I have wandered in the highlands in the frosty breath of morning
and rejoiced in the survival of a fragile alpine bloom.
I have seen the tiny fairy wrens negotiate the bluster
of a chilly breeze - without a thought of danger, threat or doom.

I have glimpsed a wedge-tailed eagle in the Nullarbor's remoteness
and the emu cross the desert plain with locomotive gait.
I have seen the resting kangaroo and pirouette of brolgas
as the morning glory barrels in across the Torres Strait.

I have watched the grey galahs perform their circus troupe manoeuvres
while the sulphur-crested cockatoos screech loudly to complain,
and the cheeky rainbow lorikeets and timid pale rosellas
graze on waving flowered grasses brought to life by sudden rain.

I have traced the captive rainbow of a Queensland boulder opal
in the seam of vibrant colour that invades its ironstone heart.
I have touched the glassy surface of a thunder egg, smooth-polished
to belie the birthing cradle that became its fiery start.

I have been to Fraser Island with its endless sandy beaches
where the lakes are fed by hidden springs from sources deep and cold.
I have felt the ground grow cool beneath my feet in verdant forests
where the tree ferns thrive by crystal streams and soft green moss takes hold.

I have stood atop a mountain in majestic border ranges
where the vista of the valley seems a thousand miles below.
I have heard the tinsel tinkle of the enigmatic bellbird
as it shares performance spotlight with an omnipresent crow.

I have seen the silver sparkle of the swirling cascade's tumble
as it plummets from the precipice to smite the weathered rocks.
I have seen the seagulls swooping to anticipate a feeding
while escorting fishing trawlers heading homeward to the docks.

I have felt the icy ocean winds that sweep the southern shoreline
where the albatross soars gracefully above the white-tipped waves.
I have paused on Sarah Island as a sobering reminder
of the past that shaped our heritage, preserved in crumbled graves.

I have seen the Rock of Uluru grow purple in a sunset
when the curtained sky is swathed in grey, without a hint of red.
I have stood by Kata Tjuta in the shimmer-haze of noonday
as the silence of the Dreamtime floats serenely overhead.

I have seen a midnight star-scape on the plains of South Australia
and beheld a full eclipsing moon arise at Broken Hill.
I have seen the splendid morning star's reflection in the water
as it meets the far horizon in the pristine pre-dawn chill.

I have loved the wild and wonderful uniqueness that surrounds me,
and I know that if I leave these shores, wherever I may roam
I am rich beyond all measure as I dream in vibrant colour
of the bluest skies on earth, above this land that I call home!

[David Campbell]

A well-deserved award, Shelley. Beautifully written.

Cheers
David

[Wendy Seddon]

This is lovely Shelley.

[vwalla]

Shelley
I have seen all these things too but it was not until I read your words that I appreciated the beauty of this Wonderful country. I am so envious of the stunning way you are able to describe them.Thank you
Val W

[Shelley Hansen]

Thank you so much, David, Wen and Val!

It has been a challenging year for me in more ways than one, and I haven't been finding it very easy to write. This was the first poem I wrote after a "quiet" period. So I truly appreciate your positive feedback and comments - more than you know.

There is just so much to appreciate and value in this "wild and wonderful" country we live in!

Best Regards
Shelley

[Robyn]

A well-deserved award. Congratulations Shelley.

[Shelley Hansen]

Thank you so much Robyn - and it is a privilege to follow you as last year's winner of this award.

Cheers
Shelley