Australian By Choice Poem
By John A'Hern
Australia known by several names
The Lucky Country is its fame
Great southern Land is sung about in a song
Immigrants through the ages, different lands.
Reasons differ from Country to Country
Escaping poverty sometimes persecution.
Sail the seven seas to arrive here,
Fly the skies the arrival is quicker.
The English language not always spoken
Fitting in can be quite a problem
Beware the tall poppy syndrome.
What is an Australian? often asked
Indigenous answer not always accepted.
Hard working Shopkeepers
Corner shops open all hours.
Different accents every day
Comes the day to join this Nation.
Everybody turn up at the celebration
Time to become an Australian citizen.
Backyard BBQs with burnt sausages
Well-done steak on paper plates to try your patience,
All on offer with a glass of wine or beer,
Australian slang used quite often.
Wear the iconic Akubra hat to protect from sun,
OZ Beaches are visited watching the surfing Oceans
Watch the waves and pay attention
Flags in the sand not there for fun.
Lifesavers sound a little drastic,
you will find out if unwary
These men and women are something special.
Children growing up and leaving home
Sad to see but regular visits happen.
Soon they arrive with children in tow
Becoming a Grandparent such an honour.
Time to travel for these Grey Nomads
Around Australia keeping the nation going.
