DO SCRIBBLYBARKS BARK?

[Maureen K Clifford]

DO SCRIBBLYBARKS BARK?




I chose the name of Scribbly Bark as pertinent to me
though the scribbles on the Scribblybarks are made by moths you see
who lay their eggs beneath the bark of Eucalyptus trees
and leave their tags upon the trunk – natures unique graffiti.

I thought the name of Scribbly Bark was as pertinent as could be
for I love the smell of Eucalyptus wafting down to me
and I have two dogs who bark, and are both happy to be free;
and I tend to scribble, doodle, as I write my poetry .

I chose the name of Scribbly Bark so many moons before
‘cause it’s typically Australian , from species Myrtaceae.
Ogmograptis scribula roam from Victoria to Queenslands shore.
That’s the moth that does the scribbling. Feeding habit? Herbivore.

Eucalyptus Haemastoma grows quickly, gives dappled shade.
It won’t grow in the tropics but of frost it’s not afraid.
It has a lovely creamy flower – a real beauty on parade,
and the birds all seem to like it when its blossoms are displayed.

Snugglepot and Cuddlepie are warmed by soft cream tresses
of the blossom of the Scribblybark. They have no clothing fetish..
Nearly naked, little possums – neither with fashion obsesses.
Though their gumnut hats are cute – they’re not given to excesses.

Its bark is pale and smooth, with a yellow white/grey sheen.
It flourishes on arid soil, with leaves a dull grey/ green
the timber is fairly useless, far to brittle to machine.
It prefers the undulating scrub country – that’s where it’s seen..

I chose the name of Scribbly Bark – it’s pertinent for sure,
for my skin to is pale and smooth – though wrinkles now are more
pronounced. At times I ‘m useless – and quite brittle, fragile, poor;
but I’m hoping to scale great heights ‘fore they cart me out the door.

My hair was once the colour of the blossom of the gum
and I much prefer the dappled shade to being in the sun.
Not a big fan of the tropics – don’t think cold climates are fun
but can manage when it’s frosty – with my Ugg boots and some rum.

So if when you are travelling you see Scribblybark trees
you might perhaps sometimes reflect and even think of me.
Who sits with pen and paper, scribbling with great fury
turning out another rhyming tale from Scribbly Bark Poetry.

Maureen Clifford © 12/10

[Heather]

Lovely Maureen. They are very interesting trees and I can just imagine you sitting peacefully underneath one scribbling your poetry.

Heather

[Terry]

G/day Maureen,
Loved that one.
Speaking of Snuglepot & Cuddlepie, May Gibbs Had a Small sort of house studio on the banks of the Harvey River where i sometimes fish.
It's been preserved and is now a tourist attraction, you can have a meal or light refreshments there if you wish.

Cheers Terry