He changed our world...

I am talking about Steve Irwin, the "Crocodile Hunter" - the zanny, enthusiastic Australian who I thoroughly respected and loved watching. Last night his memorial service was shown on Animal Planet and I admit to crying my way through it. The entire thing was done in a uplifting manner, but every time the camera panned over to the 'box' where his closest friends and family were sitting I couldn't contain the sadness. I was amazed to see his best mate Wes, his father Bob and even his daughter Bindi stand before the crowd, they have more strength that I could ever muster.

The Australian poet, Rupert McCall recited a poem entitled "The Crocodiles are Crying" and I felt it was worth sharing:

"Endless visions fill my head - this man - as large as life
And instantly my heart mourns for his angels and his wife
Because the way I see Steve Irwin - just put everything aside
It comes back to his family - it comes back to his pride

His animals inclusive - Crikey - light the place with love!
Shine his star with everything he fought to rise above
The crazy-man of Khaki from the day he left the pouch
Living out his dream and in that classic 'Stevo' crouch

Exploding forth with character and redefining cheek
It's one thing to be honoured as a champion unique
It's one thing to have microphones and spotlight cameras shoved
It's another to be taken in and genuinely loved

But that was where he had it right - I guess he always knew
From his fathers' modest reptile park and then Australia Zoo
We cringed at times and shook our heads - but true to natures call
There was something very Irwin in the make up of us all

Yes the more I care to think of it - the more he had it right
If you're going to make a difference - make it big and make it bright!
Yes - he was a lunatic! Yes - he went head first!
But he made the world feel happy with his energetic burst

A world so large and loyal that it's hard to comprehend
I doubt we truly count the warmth until life meets an end
To count it now I say a prayer with words of inspiration
May the spotlight shine forever on his dream for conservation

My daughter broke the news to me - my six year old in tears
It was like she'd just turned old enough to show her honest fears
I tried to make some sense of it but whilst her Dad was trying
His little girl explained it best...she said "The crocodiles are crying"

Their best mate's up in heaven now - the crocs up there are smiling!
And as sure as flowers, poems and cards and memories are piling
As sure as we'll continue with the trademarks of his spiel
Of all the tributes worthy - he was rough but he was real

As sure as 'Crikey!' fills the sky
I think we'll miss ya Steve... goodbye"

You can hear him read it on Wildlife Warriors (an organization set up by Steve & Terri in 2002 and now operates independently "as a way to include and involve other caring people to support the protection of injured, threatened or endangered wildlife from the individual animal to an entire species.")

And finally, here is a clip that Animal Planet has been playing (posted on YouTube).