ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

Prologue - Gum Tree Reserve, Guildford NSW.

An environmental activist, known hereabouts as
Banjo Hayes,
were it not for his intervention
this habitat,
would now be lost
in haze.

Humble Habitat.

This symbol in a city, a little west of Sydney Town,
in Guildford a small suburb, deserving just renown.


Gum Tree Reserve is extant. A piece of Heritage.
This piece of nature’s wonders must be written on a page,
of histories that have lasted long, through trouble and through strife.

A piece of nature’s wonders that have been granted longer life.

Turpentines stand stoutly. So does some Ironbark.
It’s trees now number forty, they have made their modern mark
for they are remnant regrowth, from a time when world was new.

They must - yes MUST - be protected, for you- and you- and you.

Come, see the natural grasses, climbers, herbs and shrubs as well.
A reserve for native creatures, where they can come to dwell.
This wellspring of hope eternal to be nurtured - kept alive.
To give some hope for human nature - becoming humble, to survive.

(c). Rimeriter.
19/3/05.
item no.13

I think I know the place you mean Jim. Your poem goes along OK. ( I wondered about the choice of haze )

Did you put this in the local paper, if not, they might include it with their environmental editorials, if they have any.

Unfortunately for some people, to survive round Guildford way they have to dodge the bullets. It used to be a real quiet place when I was a lad up the road at Auburn.

Thanks Neville.
Yes, I used to attend a writing group, the MerryMob.
We met regularly within the Merrylands Library.
This item got due acclaim at that time.

'Haze' - yes lost in the mists of time.

Please assist with an alternate.
Regards, Jim.

I see what you mean Jim. If you're happy with the wording, job's right.
I usually don't like to suggest words I think that takes away the writer's ownership of the poem.