In this collection of poems, drawn from a lifetime of travel and observation, the poet tells us about many new and spectacular things, covering the natural world, diverse landscapes and evolution, and also about ourselves, including the human power of love. Much philosophy resides in these pages too.

The cover drawing is by Sam Clark.

Saguaro

Saguaro grows slow flowers show melon scented

bee contented bat frequented fruits bright scarlet ripe

contrasting sight of jet black beads birds feed scatter seeds

the young saguaro shading needs

seedlings push above the bush one foot in fifteen years

branched leafless spiny stem appears inducing fears

in herbivores with champing jaws competing for

the water store saguaro draws from desert sand

to make each pleated post expand

woodpecker bores long spines ignores to form a nest

a place of rest to rear her young amongst these giants

these cactus plants who will outlive a man.

Ostrich

They call me altruistic

But I’m selfish just the same,

I laid my eggs together

When another female came,

She added her own ova

So I cannot take the blame,

Arranging them around mine,

‘Cause protection is my aim.

They lie around the margin

That hyenas will soon eat,

They taste as good as mine do

And my clutch remains complete.

My tactics are successful

For the reason that I cheat,

All’s fair in evolution,

And that justifies deceit.

Lesson in Evolution

The Laughing Kookaburra

Has a voice which is well-known.

Invertebrates and reptiles

The food preference they’ve shown,

Unlike other kingfishers

All of which they have outgrown.

Monogamy’s their lifestyle

But the young aren’t left alone;

Their brothers and their sisters

Independence they postpone

And help their parents feed them

Till the family has flown.

Their genes are really selfish;

Now the sceptics must atone.