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THE OLYMPIC TORCH
From the birth place of Olympians where ancient gods still smile,
Cloud wreathed Grecian mountain top to ocean girdled isle,
A journey of symbolic fire carried proudly through
Aeons misted in mythology to Dreamtime Uluru.
A slim brown hand accepts the Torch - youth's unconscious
grace,
Embodiment of courage, daughter of an age - old race,
Held high for all the world to see the Australian relay start,
Here at the Red Centre of our homeland's opal heart.
Northern Territory to every State, friendship weaves a strand,
One hundred days long walkabout around this great South land,
Destination - Sydney, to ignite the famous flames
Of the cauldron that will watch above the Year Two Thousand
Games,
Wattle gold, rainforest green, reef- coral rainbow hue,
High Country snow, brown gibber plain, old-man-saltbush blue,
Outback town, small fishing cove, gold mine and cattle station,
Orchards, canefields, city streets - joined in celebration.
As varied as the landscape, the torchbearer's eager smiles
Reflect our cultural diversity, all walks of life and styles,
Young and old, the beacon links their hearts,
a human chain
In honour of the athletes gathering once again
To tread the sports arenas, testing strengths and skill,
Competing with determination and a spirit of goodwill.
The Olympic Torch spells out a message on this Down Under run,
'Welcome to Australia, mates, and - good luck,
everyone!'
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