A Blue Gum tree
Giants of the forest, we
Begin well-covered cap of seed
With strength to sprout
Show tender leaf

Idle as the years unseen
Camouflaged by wattle screen
Delicate orchids settle 'tween toes
Fungi covers underclothes

Ten years on, it shoulders weight
Peeping out of covershade
Creamy flowers dripped with leaf
Birds to nest, possums to feast

Straight of trunk
Strength of wood
Nor let it be
Misunderstood

Not hops or apples
Poppies or vines
Thriving in these
Cooler climes

A love like this
It must take time -
Precious specimens
You and I