A Lazy Summers Morn

I lie on a blanket in a grassy field

Surrounded by a stand of magnificent trees;

Closing my eyes to the sights now revealed

Feeling the kiss of the early morning breeze

My naked body absorbs the warmth

Radiating from the sun that's rising at last

Filling my being with life giving force

Drained by physical labours now past.

I hear water flowing in a nearby brook

Bouncing and bubbling over leaves in decay

Caressing each pebble as it passes each nook

Tumbling and falling over rocks in its way.

Bellbird's melodies tinkle down from the trees

Playing their part in nature's sweet song;

A medley of notes, trying always to please

A continuum of sound echoing all day long.

The camp fire still burns, its place in the shade

Exuding fragrant aromas from cooking and smoke

That Eucalyptus leaves and pine cones have made,

Warming a billy of water to wash and to soak.

My opening eyes play on horizons afar

Such expansive boundaries for man to cross,

Shimmering haze at distance with eyes just ajar

Images and objects distorted, fine details are lost.

May this peace and tranquillity continue forever,

This beautiful country pleases and eases the fervour.

It permeates and overpowers me in this glorious weather

For paradise on earth I need travel no further.

This has to be life at its glorious best

Worries and cares forever gone

Where naught needed but relaxation and rest

While I'm here in heaven on this glorious morn.

Poem by Peter Hurst, Drawing by Rae Enever