Gratitude for Country
by Cathy Nguyen, Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School
Finalist, Years 5 – 6, written poetry
I am grateful for,
The warm sun that shines,
Trees, flowers and vines.
Bees that buzz from bloom to bloom,
Spreading life with soft perfume.
At night, the stars begin to glow,
And wink at me through my window.
I am grateful for,
The First Nations people who came here first.
They watered each and every plant because they were in thirst.
They cared for the country, both sea and land,
With ancient wisdom, heart and hand.
I acknowledge the Aboriginal and Wurendjiri people who nurtured this land before we came.
Without them, our beautiful nature wouldn’t be the same.
I show gratitude to Country everyday,
And appreciate that nature’s beauty will always stay.
I thank the Earth, the sky, the sea,
For all the things it has given me.
With every step, I’ll do my part –
To care for Country with my heart.
Want to read more poems? Explore the other Years 5 – 6 finalists.