For Dad

Being able to catch a glimpse of a platypus among the reeds as the water quietly ripples and a small shape bobs to the surface for a split second before all that is left is a few bubbles and the remaining echo of the gentle 'plop' that indicates their departure back into the dark depths of the creek, still awaiting the touch of the morning light... this is one of the greatest excitements of my childhood. I remember the rude awakening of my alarm in the small hours of the morning, still dark and cold, and crawling out of the bunk in the holiday cabin we rented every year at the small farm between Brisbane and Gympie. I remember stumbling to find my gumboots and torch as dad quickly downed his morning coffee before tip-toeing down to the creek to sit and wait with bated breath for the possible glimpse of these tiny creatures. It was during these hours, as our bottoms slowly went numb in the cold as we refused to move, that I truely began to realise the incredible beauty of God's creation for the first time. Watching for these shy little creatures, hearing the first call of the fairy wrens in the grass, and seeing the first light touch the due on the leaves and creating an array of dancing lights glistening as the breeze moves them back and forth. This piece is for my dad, for the memories this unique creature brings, and the wonder and beauty in God's magnificent creation.