White

 

In that sulfur yellowed crest,

I see defiance strong,

To keep your home wher’ver you will

To know that you belong

 

You lost not hope, you did not flee

You held your fortress here,

You taught us we can all survive,

If only we can share

 

For, of all the avian feathers here,

Have you not thrived the most?

Despite us men who logged the trees

Built cities on this coast

 

You remained, adapted souls

The city’s your home as well,

(I wish I had your fiery will

To reset anew and dwell

 

To not give up, push back hard

To flex enough and grow,

To steer your way but use as well

The river’s drifting flow)

 

White and yellow, summer’s blue

You give your raucous call,

Some say it’s harsh but I only hear

A war-cry you’ll not fall…

 

23^rd July, 2025

 

Written for the sulphur crested white cockatoo, the most resilient of all city birds here that has adapted well enough to thrive in the midst of the growing urban sprawl of Sydney