CARMEL - A Poem

“I like the heat
freezing nights too,
clear cloudless skies
with stars blinking through.
Grant me a wilderness
so desolate and dry,
that echoes in its silence
for every passer-by.

“I don’t mind the wind
wailing over dunes,
howling through a canyon
whistling eerie tunes.
This has been my place
to live and to roam.
For thousands of years,
the desert’s been my home.

“I’m not a fussy eater
but know just where to look.
I can eat the plants
which make others really crook!
My soft lips of velvet
take thistle, thorn or prickle.
I’ll nibble away without delay;
their spikes barely tickle.

“For those who do believe
my hump’s a jerrycan,
I would like to share with you
why that is not the plan.
It’s how I store some fat
to use when times are tough,
for energy and water
and if that’s not enough,
I recycle vapour
back along my nose;
a clever way to sort
and solve my water woes.

“My long and steady legs
cut distance every stride;

padded feet for trekking
won’t split, sink or slide.
No matter the terrain
come hills, rock or sand,
we can journey onward
across the desert land. 

“These eyes have luscious lashes
and my face shows a grin.
I can shut my nostrils
to stop sand from getting in!
Strong, tough and hardy;
they say we are all three.
We’re made for desert life
as I was meant to be.

“Camels are not native
to this country known as “Oz”.
Shipped from foreign shores,
you may ask “why?”, because
we were the better choice
to reach the Outback land.
No horse could ever cope
with vast and scorching sand.

“Those that came before me
carried heavy loads,
supplies to outback stations
before there were roads.
Who would take this on?
Most would have their fears.
The best to help were on their way,
our Afghan Cameleers!

“They came from overseas
with skills on how to drive,
us camels through the desert
and how to work and thrive.
Some camels could be wilful
and swerve, kick or bite.
Their calm, respectful way

sensured we had no fright.
We worked together as a team
enduring heat and dust.
Australia’s heart was opened
by gaining their camels’ trust.

“Giving hope to farmers,
be it sheep or cattle station.
With each determined stride,
we helped build and feed this nation.
Pulling wagon loads of wool
and tools for desert mines,
plus flour, sugar, mail
and Outback telegraph lines.

“They are part of our story,
those camels and their master.
Today people do prefer
to go a little faster.
From Adelaide to Darwin
in comfort “air-con” brings,
come and see The Outback
with a stop in Alice Springs!
A logo carried proudly
both camel and a man;
the journey carries on
by train they call ‘The Ghan’.

“Now in modern times
trekking‘s still the same.
I’m here among my Caravan
and Carmel is my name.
Relax to the rhythm
of rock, roll and sway,
all together with my friends
and we are on our way.”

 

EDWINA SMITH.
8 TH December, 2023.
Revised 28 th April, 2026.