A small pool still and peaceful in the quiet glade
Smooth rocks around the edge still moist from the morning rain
The cool dark water reflecting the sounds of the bush
Time standing still in a corner of the world forgotten
Shadows move around silently amongst the ferns
The smell of moss and rotting vegetation pungent in the still air
The ancient pines standing tall as guardians of this world
The giant timbers keeping the secrets of the forest safe
Movement in the shadows
Dark stripes blending in to the shadows
Black - ice cold eyes watching from dark hollows
Muscles taut and strong
Movement limited but waiting
The tiger is on the prowl
Waiting and hunting in his Jurassic world
The smell of fear is heavy in the air
A small grey wallaby trying to blend into the grasses
Hoping he has not been seen
Hiding in the fallen debris of the bush
The master of his world the thylacine is hunting
Death in the darkness
Deep in the ancient forests
Life and death in a secret place
The birds above are quiet in anticipation
the thylacine below moves with stealth
The soft pad of paws silent in the rotting leaves
The forest floor soft and warm
Movement in the fronds ahead
Life and death in a heartbeat
Then in the blink of an eye the hunt is finished
Silence rings out and life returns to the ancient forest
Trees covered in lush mosses of green hues
Watching the ancient cycle of life
Enveloped in the death grip of rampant camouflaged creepers
Massive trees grow and fall in their time
Shattered remnants of dead giants litter the forest floor
Returning to the soil to return again
Reaching to the sky
The gentle sound of falling water echoes
Hidden faces in the shadows
In the still pool reflections of history
Ancient memories and long held secrets
In the primeval forest life goes on
Different time - different pace
Sounds of silence in the moist green world
Glow worms with their ethereal lights awaken
casting a calming hue around under the crowded tree ferns
the green and brown curtains of an ancient world
Ancient trees and thick bushes close in
Shielding fragile life from the outside world
Thylacine dreaming still
Life in the shadows
Hidden from man
Goes on
Dr Geoff Wilmshurst spent 40 years as a professional teacher in disability education. He now spends his time travelling , writing and painting, and enjoying life with his wife Lorraine. He lives in the Blue Mountains in NSW, and finds inspiration for his work in its environment and that of similar places such as Tasmania and New Zealand. He hopes through art and poetry to connect with others, to make a positive difference in their lives, and to share the experience of what it means to be human and part of the natural world.