To ' I Still Call Australia, Home' by Peter Allen
-
I've travelled the skyways for thousands of miles,
to see in the distance this bright jewelled isle.
I turn my head now, where once I would smile...
Can I still call Australia, home?
The land is despoiled with the rising in salt.
The censors return to mistrust the adult.
Children in cages, some call it assault...
Can I still call Australia, home?
Do we stand, proud, emboldened,
to flag might unfurled?
Aloof from our neighbours and friends.
What's a nation's glue or solder,
but an embrace to enfold the
values we will hold 'til the end.
I've travelled by Qantas many thousands of miles,
but no-one will want us while we're in denial.
The stolen generation not yet reconciled...
Can I still call Australia, home?
I loved Peter Allen. Took pride in his song.
He wrote of his homeland where all would belong.
A loyal Australian speaks out when it's wrong...
And still calls Australia,
still calls Australia,
And still calls Australia, home.
David SmithWhite
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/do-i-still-call-australia-h/
