At Walpole inlet, on The Knoll
Where stately karri in the morning stand,
in ranked array, mist softened in the sun
The steps fall to the water one by one.
And down this path the rocky shore
Is quietly lapped by water clean and still
reflected by the grey clouds over cast -
Light, seen through water's wide grey glass.
The wind-gnarled melaleuca rests
With age-strong curves and roots in rock interred
as time itself is fastened in its wood
Cementing it in every day thus stood.
There while I sat a grey gull came,
With sea-clean wings, to slide upon the lake
and sit, and watch, as God would see -
The eye of man and bird in equity.
So may your birthday bring its peace,
And strength as such reflection can incur:
They have no speech or language, yet their voice
Throughout the earth's wide ends is clearly heard.
© 1998 Graham Dowden