I perch to tell a tale

of strange beasts seen ,landscapes never dreamed

since leaving old Jacksdale

Born just a walk from centre of town

As my ancestors were before

a thousand years of history

we shared upon the shores

A wanting hand was held outstretched

from a government far away

which beckoned workers from Jacksdale

to better life and pay

So a family whole we said farewell

to lives, friends and cultures learned

we passed through many oceans

our backs we never turned

Strange mountain peaks, skies anew

with stars that shone so bright

a dry red desert, and sandy plains

warm rain that falls at night

Strange creatures, birds and reptiles

we’d never seen before

since leaving mother England

and windy cobbled shore

I’m now a hardened colonial

my parents they’re to thank

my hardened feet and callused hands

lay firmly on this bank

We six that left from old Jacksdale

some thirty years ago

have turned three generations strong

with many more to go

Our culture now has changed anew

as this harsh land does command

but heart and mind

will never forget

“England “ our mother land.