A Prayer for Australia

The Land of Oz is real to me.

It’s a place that I love

beyond the sea.

Where wildlife graze

under skies of blue

koala, wallaby and kangaroo.

But her deafening cries ring in my ear

as bush fires ravage

all she holds dear.

We pray for rain too little too late,

the earth, slowly dying

yet some still negate.

God help us please in our darkest hour

combat ignorance and greed

and save our ‘Mother’.

So as I gaze across the ocean deep

my love for Oz

a vigil keep.

  This undying love a guide will be

as my heart sets sail

across the sea.

Author's Note

The profile photo was captured and posted on Facebook by one of the local volunteer fire stations. The image of the three kangaroos is courtesy of Pinterest.

Reviews

[Pete]

and a beautiful prayer at that. so sad. breaks my heart. we and everything are inextricably linked. deeply expressed and felt ... :)

[Dara]

What happened there with the bushfires is beyond tragic and a wake up call for the environment. Sadly it is too late for that area and precious wildlife but hopefully it can be prevented from happening again. Wildfires are apart of life but not to that extent. Thank you so much for your kind words.

[R.E. Ray]

Dara, this extraordinary poem reminds us we’re all brothers and sisters from the same Mother. This is such a sincere and humble piece that speaks to our responsibility to not only care for each other, but also the earth we’re blessed to share. And, what a splendid image you’ve shared here. A great piece of art, poem and image.

[Dara]

Thank you so much R.E. Your words say it all beautifully. If only more people believed that way. Always good to see you here!

[Einstein Noodle]

i am with you in this prayer still ... so tragic the losses :( well said .. relevant, emotive with rhyming that feels as comfortable as speaking with a friend ... tho the theme just breaks ones heart on behalf of the Australian people and unique animals .. oh my! so so horrible the loss :(
E.

[Dara]

Thank you for your thoughts on this tragic set of circumstances. I have heard today they are expecting a good deal of rain which will definitely help! Hope things are going well for you. It’s always a joy to see your name on my page. :-)

[Einstein Noodle]

a delight to be here Dara! things are very well thank you! :)

[emmajoy]

Dara, this is a wonderful poem, finely written, meter, graphic and more perfect.

Most of all however, is your empathy, words written from your sweet heart. Have two family members living in Falconridge, not far from Sydney and ex uni friends living 30 klms from Canberra. Have managed to keep in erratic touch but that hasn't stopped me/us from worrying.

Tho there's been rain over there, there's still not enough to ensure that vast country's safe from further flares. People have lost homes, been left with whatever they were standing in. Many have lost hope of ever having roots again. Hope like many other areas in this sad world of ours, you and your community have been able to contribute aid in any way possible, via church, Red Cross or equivalent. Bless you, Dara. xx

[Dara]

It is devastating and the images of the poor animals heartbreaking. To think some such as the sweet koalas maybe on the endangered list now. Most of my friends live on the West Coast but a dear one lives near Melbourne. The smoke alone was horrendous to live with. I do pray yours are keeping safe. Thank you for sharing with me. Hope all is well on your side of the world. Your comments always brighten my day!

[emmajoy]

Absolutely true. Dara. What a sad, wretched time our world and its two or more footed inhabitants are having. Take care of yourself, please. Hugs.

[Dara]

It is devastating and the images of the poor animals heartbreaking. To think some such as the sweet koalas maybe on the endangered list now. Most of my friends live on the West Coast but a dear one lives near Melbourne. The smoke alone was horrendous to live with. I do pray yours are keeping safe. Thank you for sharing with me. Hope all is well on your side of the world. Your comments always brighten my day!

[emmajoy]

When we stop caring, we lose our humanity, Dara. And I agree, those images.. are.. heartbreaking. Same applies to the folk who have lost everything bar the clothes on their backs. It's devastating and tragic and.. more.. Hugs.

[barleygirl]

Best poem I've read about the recent Aussie fires. Sorry for your pain on this topic. Sorry for the flames in the vineyards/fireman pic, but that's a gorgeous picture anyway! Your rhyme & rhythm is strong & you convey your love for the land & animals so well (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Dara]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful review Margie. Sometimes it is hard to put into words what we are really feeling and this one is especially hard for me. But I just had to say something. It is great, as always, to see you here!

[John the Baptist]

Neither the Turks nor the Germans nor the Japanese could break the Australians. These fires won't either.

[Dara]

Well said! Thank you for these encouraging words.

[B. Boileau]

This is a beautiful prayer, heart felt, for everything this magical place has. Let us hope they do not go unheared. (Im sure they have'nt)

[Dara]

Yes, magical is right :-) I keep praying for rain. Unfortunately it seemed to go to the wrong place because here in NC we got a soaking. Let us hope things turn around for them soon. It is great to see your words again!

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Wonderful poem what is depicting here in. Oz thanks for this wonderful poem

[Dara]

It seems unbelievable! I do hope you and your loved ones stay safe. Your warm review means a lot to me.

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Yes I’m safe thanks we had some rain but not near enough summers still here ! Thanks

[jacob erin-cilberto]

a sadly beautiful write...ringing of truth...i like how you used the slant rhyme in this...
I am scared for a couple very close friends who live there....and not far from where the fires have already struck.
thank you for this poem, Dara,
j.

[Dara]

It is just tragic! I am so sorry to hear about your friends over there. My friend Paul was preparing to evacuate but the weather cooled off and rain, however light, started to fall recently. Sadly they are not anywhere near being out of the woods yet. Praying for a miracle and much more rain to fall. Thank you for your very kind words.