I was excited to spot two lizards on the mottled grey trunk of a tall gum tree. In the bright afternoon sunshine, their profiles stood a little darker than the lumpy bark.
“There. Don’t you see?” I pointed them out to my lizard-obsessed eight-year-old grandson.
“I can’t see them.”
Odd. He had a knack for spotting a lizard, skink or beetle from yards away.
“There.” I pointed again at the two motionless creatures.
“No.”
“Come closer. Slowly, so we don’t disturb them.”
He obliged until we were almost hanging over the fence.
“Oh.” I took refuge in the knowledge that eyes can deceive us no matter how old they might be. My two well camouflaged lizards proved to be grey curls of wrinkled bark.
Eight-year-old said nothing. Just walked away. Sensible lad.
Visiting another world, like many of my characters in The Thousandth Way Chronicles do or simply visiting a country three hours away by Air New Zealand, can do wonders for our perspective, if not for our eyesight!
Even from a suburban Brisbane backyard, a plethora of fascinating wildlife can be observed. Tiny skinks and lizards – real ones – shrieking cockatoos, lurking water dragons, flying foxes and fruit bats, plus numerous more that I’ve yet to learn the names of, it’s all there.
I’ve not seen a snake, and happy to remain that way; perspective or not.
The cheeky grey and white Butcher bird is a favourite, I don’t know why he has that name, but he’s a curious fellow and will even fly to the table to join in our meals if permitted – he’s not!
Every place has its own story.
They seep from the soil, the trees, from the very air, until we hear.
Then there are the stories we share, handed to another generation’s care.
Thank you, Australia, for opening my eyes to amazing possibilities and perspectives.
