When evening clouds

are touched with pink,

across the widest sky,

the worker stops then for a drink,

of beer, and maybe asks just why

he is so lucky living here,

where all extremes do meet,

to blend with infinite result

amid the Summer heat ..

that is Australia.

When leaves turn brown

and red and gold,

slight chill pervades the air,

and beach forgotten, it's too cold

for playing, staying there.

The serious takes over

the fiscal end draws near,

and faces frown a little, yet

still there is good cheer ..

that is Australia.

And then to Winter up and down

the coast and all across,

the land is having different climes,

a coin one could toss.

To choose to play on snowy slopes,

or warm in northern sun,

in any case the fires are lit,

keeping winter on the run ..

that is Australia.

She is a land of beauty

in a rough and unkept way,

is wild, unbroken, challenging - yet,

such colorful array.

of blossom, budding freshness,

and warmer weather brings,

the paler now but eager face,

her people feeling Spring ..

that is Australia.

For after all, this land is

heralded mostly in this season,

a newness, yet untarnished,

Spring of faith and love and reason,

to be living for the friendship

of a good mate or of land,

of people greeted warmly

and with an open hand

to share the riches we alone

enjoy, of freedom taken,

by living in this land of warmth

unfolding, we awaken .

to AUSTRALIA.