by HELEN ROSEMARY WOOD
Yunbenun *
In the deep north,
this island paradise of fringing coral reefs
nestles in Halifax Bay.
Ancient connections to Wulgurukaba ‘canoe people,’
with shell middens, stone tools and cave paintings.
A volcanic blast from millions of years past
forced granite rocks to the surface.
Now, ferries bounce over energetic waters,
frothing waves at the rear
splashing onto the deck.
Deep sea turtles
recovered from hospital,
released in a refreshing bath at Nelly Bay,
eager to paddle to safety
in the warm tropical waters.
Koalas snuggled into the forks of gums,
munching their eucalypt snacks,
grunting at nearby possums and
charcoal-coloured currawongs
flying through hoop pine tree tops.
Parrots – green and red,
white cockatoos with pink and yellow crests,
rock wallabies with bronze backs and black tails
hopping over boulders
guarding their territories.
Eerie cries of curlews
echo through the still night air,
piercing a balmy silence with
high shrill notes
while other wildlife sleeps.
*Magnetic Island