A river in the Never-Never . . .

When one does travel in the Northern Territory be aware of the dangers that one faces

country side is fast, facsinating, old yet new, distances long, lonely between places

there's guidelines to adhere to, permits needed to travel across Aboriginal land

to be self-sufficient in whatever traveling you do, help is far away, not readily at hand

At height of dry season rivers and creeks are like a reminder, now a ribbon of dust

at Mataranka, water bubbles up from underground, believing in miracles one must

from all this water in lillypad covered ponds, the mighty Roper River springs

setting of on a long journey to sea through parched landscape, vegetation clings

There is always abundant bird and fish life, sustaining Aboriginal Tribes over ages

fish being speared in shallows or caught in man-made fish traps on shore, cages

fresh salt water crocodiles always present, dangerous ones to human life causing threat

Barramundi, Mudcrabs spawning commercial industry, recreational fishing to be had

There are Sacred sites along the rivers, left-over from trade routes to the coast

one of those is Ruined City, of fantastic rock formations proudly does it boast

the Macassans, from Indonesia, local Aboriginal Tribes, bartered stone tools for salt

coming of white-man, who massacred many Aboriginals, all this came to halt

Tall Pandanus and Paperbark Trees, providing shade in many a beautiful picnic spot

morning chorus of birds, pristine swimming holes, really magic when it is so darn hot

many spectacular waterfalls along Rope River, some pioneers buried too in this land

Roper River winding its way, watering thirsty land at end disappearing in coastal sand

TRAVELING IN A SUNBURNT COUNTRY . . .

Lights flashing, bells are ringing, new era in this land of ours has begun

it's taken many years, much apprehension, finally it has been done

the building, under trying conditions, heat, flies, new railway track

the final link, Alice Springs to Darwin, travel from North to South and back

To built this line across harsh wide open spaces, quite a feat

enduring vastly changing climate, wet season, fierce dry heat

overcoming with typical aussie ingenuity problems along way

some seemingly impossible, but against all odds,saved the day

Continent spanned by railway track, North to South, East to West

scenic panorama's, ease of travel, a sense of adventure laid to rest

you can watch galaxies of millions of stars, moon ever so bright

the whole environment seems to be presented in whole new light

On these journeys many sunrises, sunsets, magnificient to be seen

one should not, leaving southern parts, expect a landscape of green

for this land called"A Sunburnt Country" you're traveling it's very heart

you'll see very ancient landscapes, deserts, flood plains, horizons far apart

Isolated communities, the magical experience of the Nullarbor Plain

hospitable people, friendly fellow travelers, you'll want to come back again

camels, Brumbies, Kangaroos, Emus, Dingo, Raptors in search of prey

after a full day travel, rocked to sleep by clickety-clack and train's sway

It makes you feel proud to be aboard of this one of railway world's best

whichever journey you've chosen, it'll pass discerning traveler's test

these will be unforgettable journeys, they'll make you want more

each one has a different magic, there'll be many more surprises in store

A FEW THOUGHTS TO CHEER YOUR DAY . . .

A gentle wind is singing in the trees if we but listen, sun sinking over hill

the o so gentle music of the breeze that it brings, our troubled spirits fill

tiring day said goodbye with all it's troubles, woes, evening shadows fall

if we have patience, soon, nights' uncountable lanterns hold world in thrall

The sunlight has died out, it's daylight hours full of sorrow have fled

summer night at end of day, our turmoils, after tiring day, we take to bed

soon the moon will peep through stately gum trees upon faraway hill

our dreamboats, gently floating through the night, wildest wishes fill

When darkness of night has gone, dawn again wakes in full glory in sky

remembering all the joys that life holds, forgetting fears that drifted by

morning mists, an illusory veil, blankets the valley of a brand new day

climbing sun helping to drive them, with our fears and sorrows, away

In the faraway meadows bright sunlight dapples through stately trees

the few flowers kissed by the sun, open up their hearts for many bees

when the morning veils of morning mists finally lift, skies above blue

many more flowers wake from sleep, faces shining from early dew

Birds start their songs, joy of new day, life again takes up it's beat

cast away sorrows keeping you low, laugh the thought of defeat

river flows between banks of life, moments of serenity, strife

it passes by green meadows, taking away the troubles in our life.