ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

Excellent set of prompts, Maureen! We visited this area back in 2008, so the homework challenge sent me looking through our photos, and researching the history and flora and fauna of this special region of Australia. It was particularly dry at the time when we visited, quite distressing to see.

I'm channelling yourself and Ron a bit with my poem, so it's a case of "great minds" Also, most would be aware that Lake Alexandrina is named for Queen Victoria (whose first name was Alexandrina). Lake Albert, connected to Alexandrina via The Narrows, is of course named for her husband.

WHERE MURRAY MEETS THE SEA
(c) Shelley Hansen 23/3/21

Our only inland lighthouse – Malcolm Point – defines the place
where Royal Lakes touch briefly, flowing through a narrow space.
They’re named for Queen Victoria, and for her Consort Prince –
the mighty Murray’s mouth – in Dreamtime days and ever since.

They empty to the Coorong and the Great Australian Bight,
although at times the ravages of drought have brought the plight
of Murray farmers to the fore, with both lakes almost dry.
The symptoms of their illness show as stately red gums die.

Between the Coorong and the sea, a narrow strip of land
grows bending boobyalla bushes, anchored to the sand.
Their waxy flowers glisten with the white salt water spray,
and tiny fairy terns take rest across the heat of day.

The orange-bellied parrot fights extinction in these parts.
Cape Barren geese fly overhead – a small sandpiper darts.
Great cormorants spy from the sky the fish that make them dive,
and Australasian bitterns join the struggle to survive.

At times the frenzied polar winds come howling from the south –
it seems a fog of rolling smoke obscures the river mouth
as ocean spray absorbs a mist that drips with chilling air
that drives the shelducks further in to find a sheltered lair.

The paddle steamers cross no more. The lighthouse beam is dark.
Poltalloch Station’s days are done. No more do sheep dogs bark.
But though the ways of men may change, the coastal birds fly free
above the lakes that guard the gate where Murray meets the sea.

Really enjoyed that Shelley, You said earlier that you didn't know where your effort would lead to, well it certainly was a great result!
It really flowed well (excuse the pun) and good use of the prompts.

Cheers
Ron

Thanks so much Ron! I think the prompts took us both down a similar path.

WOW! That is excellent Shelley - I was unaware of the link to Royalty so that was interesting, but love the wildlife you have incorporated into your poem - the area is certainly a rich feeding/breeding ground for many species and especially for our majestic pelicans. Recently discovered a probably well known fact for those who live in the area, but this was where the movie Storm Boy was filmed. My son loved that movie.

Hi Shelley

You have certainly spent a bit of time researching for this one,
and as always expected, you have produced an excellent and well thought out Poem.

The one thing that really stood out for me was the mention of the Dying River Gums - so sad,
and the same thing is happening everywhere.

You have also made excellent use of the prompts.

Terry

Just beautiful, Shelley - I can see I'm going to have to visit this area one day. You've put me right there with your wonderful images in this poem, and I particularly like your last stanza, too.

Thanks Maureen - yes, certainly a haven for wildlife. We visited in 2008 and would love to go back. I found it interesting that Ron also used the husband/wife analogy for the two lakes in his poem - no doubt as a reference to Victoria and Albert.

Thanks Terry - yes, when we were there in 2008 the situation in Lake Alexandrina was dire, with water levels very low. The red gums were really suffering.

Thanks Catherine - yes, you'll have to put this on your bucket list!

Cheers
Shelley