Homework October 2023 'EUCALYPTUS on my mind'

[Terry]

EUCALYPTUS on my mind

I sit here now so far away - another place another day,
yet memories so precious still, will always touch my heart.
With visions of our camps and you and thinking of the life we knew.
when that contentment found out there had touched us from the start.

How can I now explain those days or of the peaceful outback ways
and what that country meant to us throughout the years ahead
The solitude had suited us, so restful too and free of fuss,
just Val and I now free to roam wherever fancy led.

The shanty town by then long gone, just ghosts remain the rest moved on
and though those days and times were past some magic still survived.
We’d feel it by the fire each night while bathed in cooling starlit light,
as creatures of the night would sing once darkness had arrived

A true oasis all agree then arid far as you can see,
yet once inside that sheltered place a whole new world awaits.
Here groves of Gimlet offered shade, a place the good lord surely made,
with River Gums where creeks run underground as need dictates.

Small breakaways there overlook, a scene right from a picture book
and though there’s man made changes too, the beauty still remains.
With green along old waterways where water runs but never stays,
but leaves a bud or two as passing gifts from recent rains.

So here I sit with thoughts anew and dream of here, but mostly you
and knowing now that chances such as this are rare to find.
You only get one chance I’m told, there’s no repeats, you must be bold
and grasp it when it comes, before your dreams are left behind.

© T.E. Piggott

[Ron]

Well done Terry, I could visualize Eucalyptus and feel the solitude as I read the poem!
Another excellent write in your style of describing the beauty to be found in those outback places.(well away from the rat race! )
Well done mate.
Cheers
Ron

[Terry]

Thanks Ron

A very special place for more than one reason - needs a bit more to do justice to it.
It was one of those places that just kept calling us back.

Terry

[Maureen K Clifford]

Love it - just the name of the old place itself attracted me I could imagine it being sparked by the scent of the leaves on the evening breeze, very healthy for the sinuses although maybe not so healthy in bushfire season, but I will never know. as always your words had me walking right alongside you - thank you for sharing it

[Terry]

Thanks Maureen

It's in a very isolated place and is a true oasis in the wilderness.
The main reason it means so much to me is that Valma and I camped there so often and always loved the place.
It is one of those places you never forget.

Terry

[Catherine Lee]

Beautiful, Terry - what a very special spot this must be, and as usual you have taken me there so clearly with your gift for imagery. Love it!

[Terry]

Thanks Catherine

Yes, it is a very special place for me.

Terry