Loch River Valley

Where the forest is still virgin and the lyrebirds often call,
the bronze-wing comes to drink, and the ferns are growing tall, 
there are deer prints in the mud, and there’s leeches seeking prey…
this little creek meanders on its way.

Where a pothole track goes winding through the burgan and ti-tree,
mountain ash and messmate stumps are overgrown history
from loggers in the forests, and the straining bullock dray…
this little creek meanders on its way.

Where recreation parks have forced a need for clearing of the bush,
where this grassland in the mountain now welcomes the human push,
and the platypus is unperturbed, where it’s still prepared to play…
this little creek meanders on its way.

Where lands been cleared and now the pines are planted in a row.
It’s all green but foreign and where nothing else will grow.
And king parrots or black cockies, have found their seeds okay… 
this little creek meanders on its way.

Where dairy farms are greener than you ever think you’ll see,
blackberry hugs the banks with, bootlace bush and goodia pea,
and so mournful through the valley is the calling from the jay…  
this little creek meanders on its way.

Where it’s back again to virgin scrub and hugging closer to a hill,
where the pools are getting deeper with backwaters black and still.
And the mother stream Latrobe, awaits the Loch, to draw away…
this little creek meanders on its way.

This little valley’s heaven for the angler coming here,
not only for the fishing, but the peace that’s always near.
Where one can reach the grassy banks of the chosen course,
then meander with the little creek, rippling from its source.

There’s a dearth of hides and cover for the trout who ‘hog’ the stream.
They chase the spinner to the edge, when they see the twirling gleam. 
And where some take the triple hooks while others get away…
this little creek meanders on its way.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Marcum Wong Avatar
February 27, 2016 at 4:06 PM
By the time I got to your last two stanzas of this moving poem you had me in tears from the beauty that is slipping away do to 'progress' of the human kind destroying not only the land but themselves in the process. I am faving this wonderful, wonderful piece Lindsay! #7
Laurie Avatar
March 4, 2016 at 5:08 PM
Thank you once again Connie for a very encouraging comment. Yes, human development is certainly putting pressure on natural beauty - thanks Connie - Lindsay
Dietrich Avatar
February 23, 2016 at 5:20 PM
this is an utterly charming poem, Lindsay. You are equally as talented with lyrical rhyme as with prose type poetry . I really liked this one and that repeating line, which sets the tone of this poem. The little creek that meanders while the fishermen play!
Laurie Avatar
February 23, 2016 at 8:13 PM
Thank you Andrea ... for me, the Loch River is a beautiful setting to relax and take in nature. Lindsay
Dietrich Avatar
February 23, 2016 at 5:17 PM
oh I am excited. I have come across one that I have not yet seen. let me take a read now!!!
Carter Avatar
February 23, 2016 at 9:32 AM
Have you ever you ever thought to yourself "I wish I thought of that." That's what I was thinking when I read this, hahaha. There's a river here that's exactly the same as the one you described. Nice usage of the elements. I felt as if I learned from nature.
Laurie Avatar
February 23, 2016 at 8:06 PM
Oh gosh Daniel. I have thought that a thousand times and thanks for reading and commenting - Lindsay
Nunez Avatar
February 17, 2016 at 5:34 PM
A real beauty...awesome imagery, Lindsay. I must gave missed this...PS. Congrats on your new Premium Membership! Best regards, Kim
Laurie Avatar
February 23, 2016 at 8:04 PM
Thank you Kim for your support again. I truly would like to find the donor who surprised me no end so I can thank them - Lindsay
Eastman Avatar
February 13, 2016 at 4:24 PM
Your stories flow from you so perfectly. .i loved this one... Tho I've loved all your others too. That's why you're one of my favorite poets.
Laurie Avatar
February 23, 2016 at 8:01 PM
Crikey Carol ... with a lovely comment like yours I can't thank you enough - Lindsay
Onclaud Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 12:02 AM
how you flow with this fluid melody, lindsay... remarkable write!..huggs
Laurie Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 4:29 PM
Hello nette ... thanks for reading and your kind comment - Lindsay
Anish Avatar
February 11, 2016 at 7:40 PM
You must live in an urban environment since you write so movingly about it. Peace & Love Matthew Anish
Laurie Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 4:20 PM
Hello Matthew ... its a very rural area close to a state forest and yes, it is a wonderful place to spend time - thank you Matthew - Lindsay
Curtis Avatar
February 11, 2016 at 6:23 PM
I forgot the 7
Curtis Avatar
February 11, 2016 at 6:21 PM
This isn't Great nor Good or even Mediocre, It's spell binding---My Hat off to You my Friend
Laurie Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 4:16 PM
Jerry, too many comments like yours and my head won't fit through the door ... however, I'm really pleased that you enjoyed this little journey - Lindsay
Yuhas Avatar
February 11, 2016 at 5:00 PM
Great write Lindsay.
Laurie Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 4:13 PM
Thank you Pete. Loch Valley is somewhere special to me - Lindsay
Wigley Avatar
February 11, 2016 at 1:03 AM
A cracking write, Lindsay, and, as usual, I always find myself reaching for a reference book, since you teach something new every day. Sounds like an angler's paradise. Regards, Viv
Laurie Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 4:09 PM
Actually Viv, I mainly sought Gippsland crayfish here, and the trout are small but numerous and ferocious. Its a beaut place to wind down in ... did I mention tiger snakes - Lindsay
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