Quotations and Literature Forum

I am new to this forum, and I just wanted to share a favourite poem by an amazing Austalian poet, Rupert McCall.

The Crocodile’s are Crying

Endless visions fill my head – this man - as large as life.
And instantly my head mourns for his angels and his wife
Because the way I see Steve Erwin – just put everything aside
It comes back to his family – it comes back to his pride.
His animals inclusive – Crikey – light the place with love!
Shine his star with everything he fought to rise above
The crazy man of khaki from the day he left the pouch
Living out his dream in that classic “Steve” crouch.
Exploding forth with character and redefining cheek
It’s one thing to be honoured as a champion unique
It’s one thing to have microphones and spotlight cameras shoved
It’s another to be taken in and genuinely loved.
But that was where he had it right – I guess he always knew
From his father’s modest reptile park and then Australia Zoo
We cringed at times and shook our heads – but true to natures call
There was something very Irwin in the makeup of us all.
Yes the more I care to think of it – the more he had it right
If you’re going to make a difference – make it big and make it bright!
Yes – he was a lunatic! Yes – he went head first!
But he made the world feel happy with his energetic burst
A world so large and loyal that it’s hard to comprehend
I doubt we truly count the warmth until life meets an end
To count it now, I say a prayer with words of inspiration
May the spotlight shine forever on his dream for conservation.
….My daughter broke the news to me – my six-year-old in tears
It was like she’d just turned old enough to show her honest fears
I tried to make some sense of it, but whilst her Dad was trying
His little girl explained it best… she said: “The crocodiles are crying”
Their best mate’s up in heaven now – the crocs up there are smiling!
And as sure as flowers, poems and cards and memories are piling
As sure as we’ll continue with the trademarks of his spiel
Of all the tributes worthy – he was tough……But he was real.
As sure as “Crikey” fills the sky
I think we’ll miss ya Steve……Goodbye.
By: Rupert McCall 2006

this is a great poem--although I could never watch his shows very long, he certainly was one of a kind. It does seem that his daughter will follow in his footsteps in some way, doesn't it?

Thanks for sharing.
bardra

You are very welcome, Bardra
Sheryl

Sheryl....forgot to say "welcome" in my reply. I really have never gone to the forums since joining on Jan. '09--but I saw your title & here I am.
Keep posting.
bardra

Welcome to uh, people... This poem does speak to me a good amount. Like you bardra, I never did watch the show, I just knew him as an observer, and was horrified at his death, but that's how it goes in biology, I'm at the same risk as a regular marine biologist as he was, so it made me think...

_________________
"The sun rises every day. What is to love? Lock the sun in a box. Force the sun to overcome adversity in order to rise. THEN, we will cheer! I often admire a beautiful sunrise, but I will never consider the sun a champion for having risen."
Garth Stein

Ken---
I agree totally with you. He 'played' in scary areas--& it was sad that he died that way--do you think that he is helping God with all 'those' critters?

Keep posting on life's interesting items
bardra