Wilderness
In wilderness we see, we feel and smell
Life as it was, as it is: whole and well,
Undisturbed by technology –
Rampant, a rage –
That powerful feature
Of our age.
This land was managed
Through kinship and lore,
By Aboriginal elders, For aeons before;
They lived with the country,
But changed it as well;
Their dreamtime embodies
Our heaven and hell.
Wilderness
We need it to judge
The damage we do;
Need it to keep
The animals too.
We have it to find
Many plants undisturbed;
We love just to visit
Land unperturbed.
Wilderness
Lets snap it in pictures
We treasure and save;
Lets keep it in mind
As memories we crave.
Lets map it as graphics
Which show every part;
Describe it in poems,
In paintings, in art.
Take nothing but photos
When wandering therein.
Leave nothing but footprints.
There won’t be a bin!
Though packs may be full
As you carry them in,
Just follow that rule
So wildness can win!
Don’t let the weeds flourish!
Make sure we don’t nourish
The plants we import,
But bring them up short.
Wilderness
Today as custodians
We all should unite
To keep such land sacred,
Protected, all right.
Lets study it,
Manage and save it now;
Protect it from feral
Fox, horse and cow.
Don’t set it alight,
But keep it from harm
When the tinder is dry
And the weather is warm.
Be careful our love
Doesn’t kill it! Instead,
We need it to be there
Long after we’re dead!
- Dierk von Behrens
Gratefully acknowledging helpful comments by attendees and friends, including Anne Reeves from NPA NSW, Keith Thomas from Nature and Society Forum, and my wife, Rosemary von Behrens. Fifth National Wilderness Conference, Sydney, Australia 9 – 10 September 2006.