Verse And Worse

Random Wit, Errant Rhyme. Not A Literary Crime

Beside the gum trees, in the heat
Where the track and creek do meet
You’ll find the pub, a small tin shack
Where you can drink with Thirsty Jack

Warm Memorial

Sunny Afternoon Is Just A Breeze

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

It was such a spectacular afternoon today that I took my camera downstairs at lunchtime. There was a strong breeze, but the temperature was actually quite balmy, a lot warmer than it has been all week. I shot a few frames by the river and some more at Southbank, but this shot gives you an idea of the essence of the precinct. Tall gum trees, clear blue sky - and wavery reflection on the side of an office building.

Annie, Get Your Gum

Is This Some Sort Of Leaf-Spring Assembly?

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Gum trees are wonderful to photograph at any time of the year. Their bark spans every hue from a ghostly silver-grey to a mellow tan. Their long, curved, slender leaves are always a study in grace. And when they are fringed with bearded blooms that range from scarlet to stark white, that's just one more reason to train your lens on them. All that I needed in this picture was a native Australian bird to complete the evocative line of the song, ``Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree; Merry, merry king of the bush is he''.