Orchestral Manoeuvres of the Morning

Sleeplessness pushes me out of bed
onto a couch with a warm coffee
while windows frame inky blackness
at 4am on a Queensland summer dawn.

Just over the hill, a neighbouring Rooster
is crowing his little heart out
as again and again he throws his voice
up towards the heavens – filled with joy.

The key remains consistent – perfectly in tune –
and delivery is enthusiastically unwavering.
Neither vibrato nor staccato, the
Rooster’s rendition is confident.

Now, Cicada song – definitely vibrato –
rises to crescendo and then slowly fades.
Pause. Again and again it ebbs and flows,
peaks and retreats like waves on the shore.

Kookaburra laughter gains momentum
from distant trees as they jostle and shuffle
for their voices to be heard louder than the other –
like little brothers. They jostle.

Cackling notes bubble and squirm into unity –
enthralling the listener and enticing a smile.
It is pure symphony, purest magic…
these orchestral manoeuvres of the morning.

Now the sky is lightening as night fades
into morning, and the earth is in soft focus…
Cool and dreamy Air tiptoes through the trees –
her part in the symphony.

The Conductor brings in birdsong,
Squawks, warbles and screeches,
frog tutts and breezes,
and all in perfect harmony.

Delight for my soul:
these orchestral manoeuvres of the morning.