OLD GUM TREE

Old gum

by a dry creek bed,

so long I’ve known you

and yet I haven’t -

can’t.

How can I know

of the ancient people,

custodians of our land,

gathered in your shade,

to sing the timeless songs,

share the timeless dreaming?

How can I know,

with the early explorers,

the challenge – fear –

of an unknown land,

its vastness beyond experience,

challenges beyond belief?

How can I know

the hope

of the early settlers,

lured by good seasons

then destroyed

by drought?

Old gum

by the old dry creek bed,

I have rested in your shade,

wondered at your knowledge

and am indeed blessed.