It’s so-called Australia day again
and maybe we’re doing a retake
on some of the cliches of the day.

In the morning we head to the beach—
Hamelin Bay—
for a swim, 
but with stingrays.

Then it’s into the karri forest
for a spot of four-wheel driving,
though we take a two-wheel drive
and spend all our time looking
up at the mighty trees
and observing the consequences
of fire, and of no-fire.

Back home after, for a barbecue,
of regenerative eggs, 
sourdough, vegetarian patties,
organic tomatoes, onions, 
capsicum, zucchine and even 
a spot of bok choi.

Later, we take the water craft
down to the river,
though here there’s no jet
skis, just our inflatible kayaks,
spending our time 
finding red-winged fairy wrens
and fantails
amongst the bushes 
by the side of the Marlbeelup
Chapman Brook,
then following it down
to where it flows into the
Djudjulyup Blackwood River.

There are some big marri trees
on the upriver side,
and a big peppermint.
This is a large meeting of waters
on this large country.

It is big country, deep country,
flowing through—
as gift—
the country 
of human beings
this day, 
transfigured,
transformed,
and now—
as gift—
back out again.