Cockatoos Atop Christmas Trees

December heralds the end of yet another year

but never fear

December welcomes in Summer

Well, at least, here Down Under!

Better yet… unbelievable but true… school’s out!

We crawl across the line, narrowly escaping ‘burnout’.

This year we’ve almost a fortnight to relax

Cool off in the sea, mountain streams, dams and lakes,

Before loved ones gather together

On Christmas Day in hot or stormy weather.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoos adorn casuarinas

perched atop like white angels

She-oak needles waft citrus fragrance

Along bush trails and barbed wire fence.

Before we know it, December’s over; it’s the end of the year

Look back and reflect; look forward with hope and good cheer.

*

Growing up in tropical Far North Queensland, (Australia) we’d chop a branch off a Casuarina (She-oak) and decorate it as our fragrant Christmas tree.

Written for the challenge below:

See below for a mention of a disastrous Casuarina Christmas tree!