Waratahs

They stood like royal red sentries Protecting the bush as one, Their gathered red tubular flowers In clustered heads stroked by the sun. I stood and looked in wonderment, My legs struck still by nature's awe, A gentle breeze caressed their leaves As they danced upon the forest floor. They swayed as if a beckoning, Drawing me to them in their glory, So i wandered, soaking in the scene Of this Blue Mountains understory. The sight I fell upon that day Has stayed with me forever more, The day I saw the waratahs Resplendent in their red decor. Authors notes: waratahs are an Australian native wildflower growing in the Blue Mountains of NSW, Australia