Take A Chance

I live in a country of contradictions,

No two places ever exactly the same,

There are miles to travel, open roads to explore,

Landscapes that’ll connect with my soul, while some will hang my head in shame.

**

I feel like a child again playing in the red dirt,

Contrasting against the colours of the prettiest birds,

Every colour of the rainbow to be found; search the corners, ground and look to the sky,

At time seeing me completely dumbstruck of mere words.

**

There’re places as cold as snow, arctic breezes blowing,

While the tip will be scorching sun and refreshing waters; a tourists delight,

I’m travelling through pristine blue skies,

But the nights — well, they’re definitely colder than I’d like.

**

Crossing borders is like entering another country,

I feel at times I need to learn another language; bilingual,

The roads disappear with a view, highways, blacktops, single lane and dirt tracks,

My new definition of fear — passing a road train when the road is a single!

**

Rivers and creeks are a campers treat,

And I wake each morning full of extreme gratitude,

But there’s always one that’ll spoil it for the rest,

Take your damn rubbish with you, you filthy dude!!!

**

Once I left the city I remembered what life was really about,

The black skies at night full of the brightest stars, showcasing the Milky Way,

The silence broken only by the songs of the birds,

The kangaroos, emus, goats that make my day.

**

Most know I’m not a huge fan of people,

But those in the country and on the open road are a different breed,

They’ll bend a knee to help in any way they can,

A true testament to the Australian Creed.

**

So, for those pondering the idea to get out there and experience this great country,

Take it from me, it’s not a decision you’ll regret,

There’s so much to see, to do, to ponder and wonder,

I’m living testament to experiences I’ll never forget.