Lines from Oz
The Poetry of Brian Langley
This poem was a submission to "Australia all over", the ABC's Sunday morning radio program, for possible inclusion in the segment "Why I live where I live" - It was broadcast in May 1993
GUILDERTON
In a quiet little village, about an hour north of Perth,
I've got a modest cottage on my special bit of earth.
I look out on the ocean, and the river flowing near,
And know I'm very lucky, that I am living here.
For I watch perpetual motion, in the river and the sea.
In the colours and the texture: They set my spirit free
At dawn and in the evening, I hear the magpies trill,
And the kookaburras laughing, on the tree up on the hill
And high up in the tree tops, on every branch and fork
I watch the antics of the birds, as they squabble, chatter, squawk.
And 'neath the trees, the silver-eyes and wrens are quietly drawn
to flutter in the rainbows of the sprinkler on my lawn.
Then in the spring, the heath lands, come alive with vivid hues
Of wildflowers in every shade of yellows, reds and blues.
On many mornings, early, when the breeze is easterly
I stand knee deep in water casting bait into the sea
I'm often times rewarded, with tailor, herring, whiting.
But the joy is in the sunrise. (It's a bonus if they're biting)
Some days when its a trifle cool and the morning air is chilly.
I chase a little golf ball on fairways green and hilly.
My handicap! Now what is that. I neither know nor care.
For the pleasure's not in counting, but just in being there.
You ask, why is it special? The reason's plain to see
I can forget the city's rush, and commune with earth and sea
© Brian Langley, Jan 1993