John Williams Poet Rhyme

Lyrebird

I passed by Old Man Banksia, a wonderfully gnarled tree,
While trekking through the Jamison, a bushland pedigree,
I saw the broad leaf of the Geebung, with its yelow frill,
The distant sounds of Katoomba Falls with its water spill.

Suddenly excitement grew, new noise, a whipping sound,
Its shrilled call pierced the air, the unbelievable was found,
A lyrebird with all its beauty, elusiveness personified,
Stood before me tail flared,my mouth was open wide.

It was clawing in the leaf litter, with insects being found,
Its ornate, opaque tail swished on to the ground,
It hopped around in the mulch, paused then moved on,
I was waiting in anticipation for another whipping song.

My encounter was a brief one, for as soon as I got near,
It decided to fossick elsewhere without the risk of fear,
But I had seen this ancient animal with vocal chords unique,
The world's greatest mimic, its repertoire so complete.

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Lindsay Laurie March 3, 2015 at 9:25 PM G'day John... You brought up a few memories here John with your poem on lyrebirds. I've found countless dancing mounds and discarded tail feathers; even found a nest with an egg in it. Got out of there quick smart... and yes, they are the perfect mimic. Chainsaws, axes, kookaburras etc. Truly an amazing bird. Thank you John - Lindsay John Williams March 3, 2015 at 10:28 PM Hi Lindsay, Thanks again for reading my poetry. I consider this one one of my best 3-4 nature poems I've written. Did you realise Lindsay that a lyrebird can actually make 2 distinct completely different sounds at the same time. It is the only animal/ bird that can do this on the face of the earth. I didn't realise myself until I started researching it to write the poem.