Australia is at war with bloody red flames
burning our land until charcoal remains
The volunteer fireman, our hero and hope
...
Awakening to coffee and celebrating dawn
Tad of heavenly bliss, a new day is born
If I happen to endure a twitchy, restless night
I crave nothing more than a soy flat white
...
Laying beneath your canopy admiring your silvery leaves
Before a wash of sky, I rest with enraptured ease
Your foliage so appeasing in shades of blue and green
...
The Volunteer Firefighter
Australia is at war with bloody red flames
burning our land until charcoal remains
The volunteer fireman, our hero and hope
Risks his life through the billowing smoke
Through the crackling intensity and dreadful smell
His eyes are straining as he pushes through hell
For a moment he pauses and gazes around
To see wildlife perishing - ash to the ground
Thirsty and shocked animals whimper with pain
He realizes our fauna will never be the same
The fireman now grabs his water to share
with the wounded koala in a state of despair
Shattered, the fireman stares up in vain
Willing the heavens to send down rain
Though weariness shows on his blackened face
He won't allow fatigue to slow down his pace