THE HILLS OF COFFS HARBOUR

~ 1 ~

They walk up the mountains

With flowers in their arms;

Clad in green raiment

With leaves broader than palms

~ 2 ~

The flowers are purple

And their tips are all red,

Where lie unborn babies

Safe in their bed.

~ 3 ~

Green little toddlers

When they are first born,

They grow yellow and golden,

More golden than corn.

~ 4 ~

Behind them the mountains,

Keep them safe from the wind,

From the frost and the lightning

That the winter doth bring.

~ 5 ~

Their feet are all battered,

By the rocks as they climb

And some that are shattered

Need a prop to survive.

~ 6 ~

They overlook the ocean,

Bright masses of green,

Where the fishing boats gilded

By the sun can be seen.

~ 7 ~

From the solitude island,

Where the lighthouse still stands,

You can see the green mountains

Guarding the sands.

~ 8 ~

Below the plantations,

The golden beaches surround

The Harbour foundations

Where the surf waves do pound.

~ 9 ~

Where the Womboyneralah people

Still wander today

Among the sand dunes of history,

Where the children now play.

~ 10 ~

The city is growing,

Still unspoiled by time,

With the sea breezes blowing

Like invisible rhyme

~ 11 ~

What more could one ask for

Than this serenity and peace,

This ocean and harbour,

This paradise we lease.

~ 12 ~

It is heaven on Earth,

This place where we live,

This place of great worth

That only freedom can give

~ 13 ~

As I stand on my mountain

And gaze out over the sea,

I am aware of the love

That is living in me.

~ 14 ~

And I truly am thankful

That I live in this place,

Where the stools climb the mountains

With perpetual grace.

©Copyright October 19, 2005 by Colin F. Jones

Awarded 10/22/2005