Crocodile Hunter Poem by Gert Strydom

(A Terzanelle for Steve Irwin)

You walked into my heart
a man dedicated to humans and animals alike
and of it I felt part

of every trip, every hike
as if you came out of Africa, but you fitted in anywhere
a man dedicated to humans and animals alike

and you antics with crocodiles and wild beasts was broadcasted everywhere,
the image of the man in kaki shorts stays with me
as if you came out of Africa, but you fitted in anywhere

making your Australia great, your spirit remains free
and you paid the cost of this destiny driven life
the image of the man in kaki shorts stays with me

and like your beloved dog, child and wife
I am smitten down by your death
and you paid the cost of this destiny driven life

and with every breath
you walked into my heart
I am smitten down by your death
and of it I felt part.