The Illawarra Flame

[Zondrae]

Afternoon all,

There is currently a competition on the theme of "I love the Gong".
Even though this is called The Illawarra Flame, I sent it in. I received an email within a day or so, asking if they could put my poem on their website. The competition is for a painting, photo, poem or essay depicting the theme. I don't expect to win but it is nice to know my scribble is being broadcast on the web. I do love the Gong.


The Illawarra Flame
© Zondrae King (09/05) Corrimal

When I look toward Mount Kembla, at certain times of year
I see some patches glowing that, to me, are very dear.
Mixed with the greens and browns and greys, there blooms a special tree
of a really diff’rent colour, I always long to see.
The golden wattle’s not the one, though poets praise its show,
it’s Illawarras’ very own, that I have come to know.
Among the leafy greenery I see a fiery red,
as if the hill is smiling or is blushing in its bed.
Although it bears no useful fruit, I love it just the same.
The bloom that always makes me smile? The Illawarra Flame.

The Hoskins fam’ly came to town to change our history.
They found coal mines and a harbour, saw opportunity.
Their factory started making steel, under the sun and moon,
growing, ever spreading outwards, around Tom Thumb lagoon.
Their promise of employment brought folks from many nations,
strengthening our city bringing diverse populations.
Now burning gasses golden-red atop the chimneys proud
can fill the sky with dragons’ tongues a-licking at the cloud.
Its rosy glow can often make the setting sun look tame.
Some visitors may think this is the Illawarra Flame.

I’ve traveled widely in the world from China to Fiji.
I’ve been to the Cook Islands, in Malaysia wandered free.
I’ve lived all over New South Wales, inland and on the coast.
But still to me there’s just one home, the place I love the most.
The headlands, beaches, forest tall, the mountains and the sea
the beauty that is Wollongong is more than gold to me.
So when I start Ousleys’ descent or conquer Bullis’ crest
there’s great anticipation and a-thumping in my chest.
The view that reaches south from there puts all the world to shame,
and I feel burning in my heart, the Illawarra Flame.

[Stephen Whiteside]

Lovely poem, Zondrae. I can even appreciate it in spite of the Melbourne Freeze we're having at the moment.

By the way, line 3 - the colour is grEy.

[Zondrae]

Thanks Stephen,

edit done.

[worddancer]

beautiful, Zondrae, we have the Flames growing in the south and they never cease to make me stop in admiration. The tree shines!
So much history is tied up in our flora, and it comes to light in your poetry.

thanks for sharing


Worddancer

[Bob Pacey]

Heather was saying on the weekend how boreing the vegetation is up here all dull browns and grey. But I know she seen some beautiful stuff on the coastline, but do not know if she got any pics.


Never let that camera out of her sight the whole time so must be some beauties in there.


Bob

[Heather]

Really enjoyed the poem Zondrae. The wattles are just starting to bloom here - love 'em!

Heather

[Bob Pacey]

Never seen them Zondrae do you have any pictures that you can post ?


Bob

[Zondrae]

G'day Bob,

I may have lovely photos but.. haven't been able to make time to sit and work out how to post photos on the site.

[Neville Briggs]

The Australian artist , the late Arthur Boyd used to do paintings that included the Illawarra Flame Trees.

[Bob Pacey]

The pictures that I goggled up seem to be a bit sparse on coverage Zondrae ? I pictures a more conical shaped tree for some reason but i think it would be a striking tree when viewed in a forest setting ?


Thanks for the poem it captures the right effect.

Bob