Koala Talons

When they say “bear!”,

they cannot mean the koala.

For when we say “bear!”,

it’s usually followed by the words “where?” and “up there!”,

bearing little resemblance to any bear by which one might be tempted to compare.

This leaf-eating marsupial, has the talons of an eagle!

The magnified and hairy ears of a mouse, and usually one big tree for a house.

So as it goes, therefore, so forth and so on.

This furry ball of grey fuzz , is simply the Koala who has a big black nose.

Who chews green leaves.

Climbs the tall, grey and white eucalypt trees.

Grips hold of a limb.

Then sits.

Reaches to eat.

Then drifts.

Safely. Off. To sleep.

 – Rod Lampard, 2014.

Image: Koala sculpture featuring Indigenous-Australian artwork.