My Ode To the Netherlands

Beneath Australia’s expansive sunlit sky, I recall the patchwork quilt, where my life began 12 provinces united, one country created; uniformity resists when anthems unite the parochial clan From staunch Overijssel in the north, to Limburg’s laughter in the south From Drente’s eastern reach renowned, to Zeeland’s exalted river mouth Friesland’s fair and twisted tongue, a language apart Her “Tjalks” adorn the “Ijsselmeer”, binding forever a Fries heart Groningen’s Martini towered capitol sits amid Europe’s oldest man made scenery While Utrecht at the countries heart, the nation’s birthplace abounds in greenery The Hollands next both South and North, give us cities which compete For world renown, both Rotter- and sweet Amsterdam, with tulips are complete Gelderland’s unfortunate claim to fame came from war When allies forced a German retreat; they aimed a bridge too far North Brabant lies beneath southern skies, a friendly place where life is good Before Lent with carnival spent round old Saint John, is where, my cradle once stood Limburg land of promise, of fresh fruit flans and singing nightingales, Where clear streams cascade through oaken forests and silence prevails Flevoland, the last, where fishing boats of Urk once sailed the Southern Sea Now reclaimed land doth arise as each polder dries, thanks to the vision of Lely Fatherland, motherland, though far away now, if truth be told A warm place in my heart, “Je maintiendrai”; I will uphold