Summer now, when the sun shines

and the sky’s, a dome of blue.

Where the forests greet the ocean.

Our fair city welcomes you.

 

You are welcome as the Eagle,

soaring to your greatest heights.

You are welcome as the Orcas,

talisman, of strength and might.

 

Welcome Belize, welcome Ghana.

Welcome Tonga, Malta, too.

Welcome people of our Commonwealth.

We are proud of all of you.

 

This is not, only, of Gold medals.

This is not a media fete.

This is taking part with passion.

This your chance, to communicate.

 

Soon summers, turn to autumn.

Gold and bronze, instead of green.

Silver gray, the distant mountains,

of our ever changing scene.

 

Part of you will always stay here.

Though you came from lands afar,

to this special place of meeting.

Commonwealth, Victoria.

 

David Garlick, Victoria, August, 1994

 

For the Commonwealth Games Athletes.