where orange cumulonimbi are mirrored in stagnant rivers

where sleepy eyes blur swaying trees into dancing green monoliths

where the distant sound of crickets serenades the kangaroo’s carcass

where the salty coastal air dissolves onto arid tongues

where mother desert’s mounds hide her faithful servants

where dying gum trees groan as they accept the wind’s embrace

where nuggets of coal murder fragile reefs and innocent people

where a bevy of citizens connect in perfect diversity

where all are worthy to be called Australian.