Frog Dreaming

In their hearts our dreams they're keeping,

Ancient spirits long time sleeping,

On a bed of shifting river sand,

With their thoughts they shaped this land.

Here the black barked Swamp Gums grow,

Beside deep waters where they flow,

Sometimes turning back to pool,

Twisted mangrove roots they cool.

Through the shaded billabong,

Peals the swooping magpie's song,

Swiftly darting fish some shelter seek,

Safe from old man kookaburra's beak.

Onto a light dappled rocky ledge,

Out from the tangled rushes of sedge,

Watchful the blue-tongued lizard crawls,

While all around him cicadas call.

Leaving the red earth desert plains,

Where it hardly ever rains,

Troop the thirsty kangaroo,

Pads the panting warrigal too.

Out of the wind blowing thick with dust,

They come to drink as all here must,

Else among the salt-bush dry,

They leave their scattered bones to lie.