I went on a boat on the Murray to see what I could see

I wanted to see the birds and the bees but they were avoiding me!

I saw pelicans by the hundreds all floating past in style

Galahs hiding out in the breezy trees and a kookaburra made me smile

But there in the passenger area, a vision I could not deny

Were the birds that I was looking for, catching my gleeful eye

The peacock was there preening himself with head thrown back in pride

Showing off his musical talents and seeking a worthy bride

There was the little fairy wren with her nervous jumpy walk

Sharing whispered confidences, afraid of loud noisy talk

The rosella was there looking lovely with clothes all artfully worn

rich gloss of her lips and the kind painted face, jealousy not to be borne

And there was her colourful partner with his charm and constant chatter

Relaxed and delightful, carelessly racist, a handsome, fun loving patter

And the prickly Magpie hiding her smile, aggressively protecting her space.

her partner avoiding all contact, tattoos on his arm, a glare on his face

Here comes the gossiping Kookaburra, sharing stories of other’s transgressions.

Protecting her partner and caring, keeping watch over all her possessions

The tattooed bird of paradise full of promise and promises broken

with the shy little cormorant hiding the truth, it’s not true if it isn’t spoken

The noisy mynah kept me amused with stories that never ended

Watching the nervous backing up moves from each person she befriended

When asked, my eldest son told me, that I was a coastal puffin

Blank faced and aware, a glinty eyed stare, a mind quite reflective of nuffin’

I enjoyed myself on the Murray, watching people and hearing their tales.

Next year I might go out to sea and spend time watching the whales