A sandy island in the Gulf
beckons us to make landfall.
A picnic here is lots of fun
while flocks of seabirds call.

The waters slapping round the shore
look inviting in the sun,
but listen to the boatman
when he warns everyone:

“Just step into that gentle tide —
up to your knees will do —
and a hungry tiger shark
will bite you clean in two!”

Best leave before the sun goes down,
that’s when the tide will rise
and cover every inch of ground
and catch you by surprise.

Going, going, almost GONE!  Sand Island off Karumba, Queensland.
Photo by Ginette Pestana