(Homage to Banksia integrifolia)
Straggly trees
Huddling together on the cliff top
Pushed together by fierce winds
With no protection but each other
Branches and twigs intertwining
To make a firm canopy
Their pale yellow flowers defying
The searing sun, the drenching rain
Chilling winds in winter, drought
Summer after summer
Buds like small grey-green candles
Wait to bloom
Their unseen roots share secret nutrients
Today a mist hangs over the water
Huge waves crashing below send
Plumes of damp salty spray
Onto their tough, dark silvery-green leaves
They survive
Straggly trees