Cassowaries haunt my nightly sleeping

watching me with grim Kokoda stance

through the jungle shadows Chimbus creeping

willing me to join their tribal dance.

Trek to where the Fly is just beginning

drift on down to Daru's barren shores

wave to sleepy crocs who lie there grinning

dreaming of the time of dinosaurs.

Stroll with God beside the Ramu River

make a temple under Sepik fronds

let the dawn awake me with a shiver

white webs glisten through the Trobriands.

Mudmen waving spears in mock annoyance

turning back the clock to who knows when

recognizing sing-sing's pure flamboyance

keeping legends in the minds of men.

Touch my hand and feel my haunted fever

take this body craving to return

back amongst my Wantoks now and ever

Papua New Guinea - how I yearn.

more of my NATURE POEMS here