I Like To Think Poem by Francis Duggan

A bit too late for ruing life's golden chances
I should have thought of that back in my prime
But for the small gifts I ought to be grateful
For having the chance to write another rhyme.

Beside the peaceful and slow flowing water
On a high branch of an old gray gum tree
The butcher bird is piping in the sunlight
Perhaps he sings to guard his territory? .

I like to think that birds sing when they are happy
But those who know nature far better say
That male birds only sing around their borders
To frighten others of their kind away.

I like to think that in nature's big garden
All wildborn creatures live in harmony
But some only survive by eating others
That's how it is and it will always be.

I like to think that I can walk where I want to
But the sign on garden gate reads 'keep out private property'
Humans on their own kind have placed some restrictions
Whoever mentioned the words 'truly free'.

In the southern Queensland mountain town of Maleny
The sun is shining such a pleasant day
The land is green and spring bursting out all over
And butterflies above the wildflowers play.

And I like to think that in nature's huge garden
That all wild creatures live in harmony
But the law of nature is eat or be eaten
And thought again has made a fool of me.