Australia Day

Once upon a time, in the year seventeen-seventy,
In a place called the land of Australia,
Captain Arthur Phillip landed there,
On his ships, bringing items aplenty.

When the first fleet came upon the land,
With a flourish, pomposity, with solemnity
Declared this land for England.
But without a hint of indemnity.

Captain Phillip took command.
He declared this land belonged to no one.
‘Terra Nullius!’ he cried, as the flag for the King went into the sand.
Before the screams and the firing of guns began.

The twenty sixth of February. A day of gladness?
But not for all. For some it’s a day of sadness.

~ Please pick a Holiday or Occasion from the country you are from this month and write a poem about it. ~ 14 lines