Farewell Australia

Farewell to white gum trees graceful and tall

To endless green cane fields stretching o'er all.

Farewell to warm beaches golden with sand

To lush thick rainforests crowning the land.

Farewell to pink sunsets brilliant with hue

To wafting  low clouds banks sailing yon blue.

Farewell to wet torrents drenching the night

To Queensland's bright sunshine, a daily delight.

Farewell to sweet lollies and pavlovas light

To biscuits and cordial and Vegemite.

Farewell to Koalas, Platypuses and Kangaroos

To Crocodiles, Kookaburos and funny Emus.

Farewell to prim school girls all dressed alike

To white-shirted missionaries riding pushbikes.

Farewell to roundabouts, bonnets and boots

To Queenslander houses' historical roots.

Farewell to soft accents, "mem-buhs and mum"

To "sis-tuhs, blokes, al-u- min-i-um"

Farewell to "fair dinkum, chooks and spot on"

To "footpaths and fort nights, lovely Zion"

Farewell to "good on ya, Give it a go,

You right, Luv? Straightaway and right-e-o."

Farewell to "no worries, I haven't a clue,

Hey, digger! Go ragin! Mate! I'll ring you!"

Farewell to the members and new convert's smiles

To love and friendship that span the miles.

Farewell, my Australia, you've been true blue

Farewell, my Australia, my heart stays with you.

Poem by Sister Mavis Steadman