AUSTRALIA DAY

        MERRIWA  PARK - WANGARATTA - 1993

                Overhead  the  bright  sun  shone,

                Children  tumbled  on  the  lawn -

                A  rich  and  varied  heritage

                These  countrymen  of  mine.

                Respectfully,  with  bowed  down  head

                We  listened  as  a  poem  was  read,

                The  verses  spoke  for  all  of  us

                With  each  familiar  line.

                Dorothea  McKellar -

                I  would  that  I  could  tell  her

                Of  our  overwhelming  feelings

                As  we  heard  each  well  loved  word,

                'My  Country' - new  vows  trembled

                In  the  hearts  of  those  assembled

                Tall  gum  trees  danced  above us

                One  lone  cicada  chirred.

                Our  flag  rose  high  before  us

                We  sang  the  anthem's  chorus

                'Advance  Australia' - always

                Uluru  to  restless  sea.

                Australia  Day - this  celebration

                To  the  world  a  declaration

                Of  national  pride,  deep  gratitude,

                Of  love  and  loyalty.