The Hills

While overseas,

someone asked me where I lived.

I explained,

The hills, Victoria,

in the south east of Australia.

They said that they

figured I was from Australia,

but didn't know of any "The Hills”.

I explained that it was more of an area,

not a suburb.

It was still struggling to sink in though.

I furthered my stance by saying something that truly solidified a part of myself:

We. Are. Community.

We are more than an area.

We are more than a set of rolling hills,

or the towns sprinkled through them.

We shine light from creative gatherings,

social endeavour

and impeccable food.

So much so,

that people come to our homes as a tourist destination.

We are awed by the local wildlife,

stirred by social conscience,

inspired by the people around us.

We have the strength to battle the odds,

the endurance to share wisdom,

and the heart to feed more than just tummies.

In the years that I have lived here,

I have been graced with so many friendly faces,

deep conversations

and reiterations of why I am here.

Though I am not shy of the enjoyment and vibrance

from my experiences in other places,

The hills speaks of home.

It speaks of dark nights

and stunning days.

It speaks of musicians and play-writes,

sculptors and crafters,

painters and illustrators,

artists and craftsmen.

We support farmers and fruiterers,

butchers and bakers,

chefs and baristas,

the givers of flavour.

We are the mothers and brothers,

the sisters and fathers,

the lovers and battlers,

the listeners and the sharers.

We all have our stories,

our reason for being.

Every man woman and child,

every possum roof landing.

We all bring our character,

to this place so amazing.

May we never forget it,

the community we stand in.