Standing proud and tall
One could study me
Guessing I’m a mighty Pine
Or a She-Oak tree
My branchlets look like feathers
Of a rain forest bird
Listen and they’ll whisper
Wind will have them heard
Anchored in the earth
Nature comes to me
Lots of different birds
Need a She-Oak Tree
They cheep, chirp and chat
Then perch, roost and rest
Seeking shade or shelter
A place to build their nest
I’ve a special friend
With a smaller crest
Quiet and subdued
Unlike all the rest
They call him ‘Glossy Black’
And he depends on me
Watch him cracking cones
Of a She-Oak Tree
He takes my tasty seeds
I grow as ‘birdie’ treats
His bulky beak works away
That’s all a ‘Glossy’ eats
He feeds by day with no fuss
But may be rare to see
If only for the scattered orts
‘Neath a She-Oak Tree
Together we’re a team
This lovely bird and me
Perched upon a rocking branch
In a She-Oak Tree
He does rely on my supply
Of cones from which he feeds
Nothing else will ever do
Except for She-Oak seeds.
Woodlands whisper nature’s song
Yet they have no voice
‘Glossy Black’ needs me so
As I’m his only choice
May hearts and minds protect our homeAnd just let us be
For this precious cockatoo
And a She-Oak Tree.
EDWINA SMITH.
24 th June, 2025.