Emerald Creek

[ALANM]

Emerald Creek
(By Alanm April 2023)
Changing colours in the pool, as dappled sunlight infiltrates
irridescent bubbles, that boil and sparkle on the surface.
From springs atop the ranges, the rills plunge and congregrate
into streams, tumbling downhill with cool purpose.

Tiny Jungle Perch, swimming ‘gainst the flow
are hunting morsels, in the eddies that swirl past.
While tiny Crayfish fossick, under banks below
the moving shadows, of the ever rustling forest.

Wallabies on alert, are drinking at the stream
you watch in frozen silence till they’re sated.
Then they melt away, like little ghosts in a dream
but you’ve got them on the camera, you’re elated.

Some Bettongs wander by, oh my, how cute and shy
sipping nervously at cool clear mountain water.
No sudden move be made, lest you cause them to fly
if disturbed, they don’t take the time to loiter.

A gentle mountain breeze causes rustling of the leaves
descending darkness, is gathering for the evening.
You try to stay alert, though it’s nearly time to leave
and it’s a fair walk to the spot where you are camping.

At last you spot the prey you’ve waited for since noon
you point your camera and try to get in focus.
But even in the zoom, it’s hard to focus in the gloom
yet the spots stand out against the dark green fungus.

A little Northern Quoll, his nose and whiskers twitching
has come to hunt the banks amidst the gloaming.
You’ve seen him here before and find him quite bewitching
its a joy to watch him, as he goes about his hunting.

A Paradise Kingfisher, is perched above the pool
intently watching the wee school of Jungle Perch.
While some little Honeyeaters, squabble by the pool
having finished with their day-long nectar search.

I hate to make a move and disturb the tranquil scene
but it’s getting past the time I should be going.
But I know once I am gone, more animals, yet unseen
will come to drink, as will the waters keep on flowing.

[Shelley Hansen]

A lovely word picture, Alan.

[ALANM]

Hi Shelley
Thank you for your comment,appreciate it and glad you liked it.
Alan

[Catherine Lee]

Yes, Alan, I agree with Shelley - this poem evokes all the senses with some lovely images

[ALANM]

Hi Catherine,
Thank you for your comments,it's a beautiful and tranquil secret place
glad you liked my description of it.
Alan

[Maureen K Clifford]

Love it - although not sure why it is in the Non Rhyming section Waterholes/Creeks are always beaut spots to capture photos of those little critters

[ALANM]

Hi Maureen,
Not sure either, yes they are, especially in the Great Divide in FNQ.
Thank you for your comments.
Alan.