I love my broad vast country
from dry deserts to creeks
rain forests to sacred rocks
starkly contrasting
ever echoing
my country and my people
we’re known to travel
but always return home
to familiar sights and sounds
that echo across our land
some harsh some timid
it is my country and people
extreme weather
ensures close acquaintance with
drought floods and wildfires
but resilience is our strength
we love the echo of our land
for nothing else compares
the call of birds and wildlife
the staunch native flora
kangaroos kookaburras koalas
we are a unique brand
sacred to our traditional owners
who’ve already survived so much
their cries of anguish echo
hauntingly across our land
incarcerated stolen abused
they cared for country
now our greed is breeding
unnatural disasters
our cities over priced
our politicians corrupt
resources sold to china
where will we end up
this country that we love
may become an empty echo
aroused 
Such a heartfelt poem, Kate! I have similar concerns about the US. and similar hopes.
Cheryl
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well you have an election soon so hopefully things can change then 🙂
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So relaxing to read this… this is a great piece of writing!!
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It’s sad that I hear so little about your country in the news at home. I’ve visited Australia
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Many countries are facing the same problems. We all need to work together to make every country special.
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I”d love to visit your country one day. 😉
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A beautiful poem for a wonderful place, Kate and I loved the picture though greed and corruption and corrupt politicians are everywhere.
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These are difficult times for many lands for sure. At the same time, we read many small stories of good deed everyday and I hope these good deeds will overcome the big bad one day. We all have to perform our share of duty.
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I like the thought that nothing else compares to the echoes of one’s land.
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I have democracy in my country. So what if one party thinks it has a monopoly on power, so it bribes with voter promises. The terrible thing is that for a few euros people can buy.
Your poem full of concern for the country reminded me of my own situation in my country.
greetings
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our cities over priced
our politicians corrupt
resources sold to china
— definitely can relate. Sigh. So heartfelt!
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voter seem so gullible … but hey we had a huge bank enquiry here and the big four were proven to be money laundering and allowing payments for child porn … yet people stay with them?? Commonsense is in poor supply!
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YEAAAAAA! Is it the votes or we really have no choice? T_T I felt like the options are just lesser evils, not better.
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you have a very valid point there … no real choice!
For a democracy our big parties do have a monopoly and only vague differences.
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yea!!!! the saddest part is that they only care about their pockets and their own interests. all of them. rare are those who really care for the citizens. 😦
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I can feel the love and great emotions in your words, SweetKate! So well-expressed! You wrote this one from your heart!
I wish more peoples in every country would think about the beginnings of the country and what the good people stood for and died for. Maybe if people alive today truly thought of them, and appreciated them, things would be handled in much better ways than they’re being handled today. 😦
(((HUGS)))
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yes our world would be a much better place!
My respect for these people has grown enormously the more I work or volunteer with them. Others tend to focus on those struggling with generational trauma, I see so much strength and resilience. .. and ongoing abuse at every level 😦
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This is so full of emotion! I can feel the catch in the throat when reading it – perfectly conveyed!
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you have echoed and conveyed the essence of your people and land. your words echo my visit to melbourne museum about the journey, anguish and triumph of all peoples of Australia were magnificently told and displayed. was like walking through natural history, much like this poem of yours Kate, this are truly beautiful heartfelt words.
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We can only hope there are more of us who take better care than those who don’t. I’d like to think so. 🙂💕
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Love of the native ground is well said , Kate , and also the fear to see her disappear absorbed by rich stranger country.
Love ❤
Michel
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I like the way you discuss echoing here. It could apply to the U.S., too. 😦 I actually didn’t feel like this was totally bleak because at the end you what may happen–that means there is still still a chance it won’t. (Honestly, I feel more discouraged every day, but inside I’m still a bit of an optimist.)
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lol I’m an optimist who tries to face reality, a challenging combination … thanks for the prompt and constructive comment Merril
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One of your lovely awareness poems Kate. I loved it 🙂💕
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It feels so daunting right now, I am sure, but the goodness of the people still remains and will rise up to re-evaluate and polish off the gem once more. We have to believe it.
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Such a lovely read, and a great picture 🌹🙂
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