English News 

Poetry Competition

The “Dusty Swag” Awards were established in 2000 by Patron Rex Tate to encourage poets and storytellers to record the stories of Australia, its unique landscape and its unsung heroes. 

It is managed by the A.B.P.A (Australian Bush Poets Association) and is divided into 3 sections, Junior (Primary students), Senior (Secondary student) and Adults. I heard about this competition through my sister, and thought I would give it a go, since I like writing poetry. I was inspired to write this poem by the ever so serious impacts of climate change and the disastrous bush-fires most of Australia experienced in late 2019 and early 2020. I wanted to write something that really captures the natural and native beauty of Australia. But, to also reminds us as the people of Australia to change our ways to help conserve this beautiful country, so the people of the future can also experience it with wonder. A few weeks after I handed my entry, I was very elated to receive an email stating that I had won first place and my poem would be published in the A.B.P.A magazine. So here is my poem, it's called 'Once there was a time'.

Rehan Qaium

Year 10

Congratulations!

           Rehan

Once There Was A Time 

Once there was a time, My grandfather once said.

The land was covered in blue, green and red. The oceans were the bluest of blue,

and nature had no clue.

But when the people’s vessels docked, Australia’s fate was locked.

But what do you mean grandfather? Without people there would be nothing. No buildings, no buses.

No technology, no trains. No power, no planes.

No, you and no me. But listen boy,

once there was a time.

Life was harsh but simple to behold,

it reminds me of my time in the green and the gold. Surrounded by the giant Gum trees,

encasing me like a light breeze on midsummer’s eve. The occasional laughter of the kookaburras,

and the grunt of the wombat.

The sublime scent of the dry grass,

pieces.

Once there was a time,

where there was no deforestation, no frustration. No climate change, no loss and pain.

No over-hunting, no sadness and suffering.

No polluting, and nature’s saluting. No wars, no never healing wounds. Now I understand,

People hurt, People torment, People burn, People kill.

People caused agony, anguish, and anxiety. People caused sadness, shock, and suffering.

But remember once there was a time, where there were no people.