ALMOST A PARADISE . . .

Many people in their life never venture much past front gate
nor travel our beautiful country, Australia, till almost too late
those that do, have memories of places they have been
diversity of landscapes, ghost towns, historical places seen

One such place could be a rainforest, after heavy rain
observing scintilitating colours in run-off, undulating terrain
tumbling past crazy angled boulders, moss covered trees
rushing in creekbed, into transparent pool, miniature seas

Underfoot a soggy mess, very careful here, slippery ground
brilliant fungi, colours of rainbow, on rotting trees abound
rays of dappled sunlight, magic, rarely touching forest floor
adding just finishing touch to overall wet rainforest decor

Makes you feel one with nature, your own world, feeling small
surrounded by all this beauty, almost a paradise, trees so tall
giant bird's nests ferns hanging from trees, buttressed trunks
here, there, signs of past vulcanic activity, old odd lava chunks

Spectacular views from some points high above the valley floor
on days of cloudless skies, see birds of prey majestically soar
sometimes this place is regarded as a birdwatcher's dream
maybe sight of rare bird, endangered species, seldom seen

On closer inspection, there is still more life than the eyes meet
great diversity of plant life, microscopic plant world under feet
a place full of wonder, nature's display of its everyday mystery
all for us to see, admire, storing for later, to revive memory