THE CROCODILES ARE CRYING

(By RUPERT McCALL 2006)

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 father’s modest reptile park and then Australia Zoo

We cringed at times and shook our heads - but true to nature’s 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

Thank you for posting this poem whomever you are. It was very moving to hear it when the man was speaking it. I watched the special and I don't think there was a dry eye there or in any ones home.
Thanks again

The poem is beautiful indeed, and the Memorial Service was much needed and beautiful. It was a beautiful Memorial Service and the place of the Crocoseum was "The Place" to do this service. I found all perfect.
The message is "warriors for animals", and "help Daddy". We can do this, don't you think ?

Excellent, except for I "think" we'll miss you. I know we will miss him!

it was just soo..beautiful and touching! Thank you for posting it here; I want to share it with my sister. I think that was one of the most touching points tonight!

We sure can!

It was fantastic. That stadium was chocker block full!

Didn't Terri look good? I was so glad to see her, and to hear Wes speak, and of course, Bob and Bindi. What a little beauty!

Good on ya, Bryn-o for driving Steve's truck. You're a good bloke.

Isnt it Ironic? The animals we were and are so scared of, the crocs, we all are one tonight?? Crying. Steve would be so touched.

I think that was the hardest was when his truck was driven off for his last expedition, for me anyway.

once again tears begin to flow as I read this beautiful poem.
What a wonderful memorial, I couldn't stop crying...I really lost it when Bindi went up there like a trooper and gave her speach about her dad, that was so beautiful and touching. I think, no not I think, I know she will be the one to carry on in her daddy's shoes. It was also so adorable when she was feeding the elephant!
Wes, Steve's Dad (Bob) what wonderful speeches.
As I wiped away for my tears, I couldn't help but think of all the wonderful things that Steve, "Criky" did for conservation...how he opened the world's eyes to some of the most exotic animals, even though I may have never met him, and wish I have, he is a true inspiration to this world.
I applaud everyone who made his memorial so special and well put together. I was just glad to see Terri, trying to smile at times, but you could see her fighting back the tears...what a strong women...God Bless you all

Good poem - I've been crying like a baby over this and I've never met the guy! Thank you Steve Irwin and God bless you and your family. Rest in peace - Nobody could had done a better job at helping our animals than you.

I loved the poem and also the song the young man sang while standing on Steve's truck. I thought it was called "He changed our World" and would have been written in honor of Steve. But I can't track it down. Anyone else have any luck?

I'm so glad I see other message about the memorial show. I'm so grateful they showed it for us to share since we couldn't be there. I cried through most of the show too. I don't think I've ever cried for a celebraty so much, but maybe it was because he was so young, taken from his family. I was so happy to see Terry and his family. I've worried how they've been doing. The world feels for them, but brave little Bindie? We'll see her again, that's for sure! Thank Discovery Channel for letting us all in on the Stevo fest. It was really beautiful, and will be helpful in dealing with all of this

This is how Rupert wrote this poem at the end It said " I think " . I think he meant We will Miss You . By Crickey !

I was so touched when David W was reading it. He was in the croc Hunter movie you know. Played the
Animal protective services guy.

Thanks for printing it.

E

FYI You can listen to Rupert McCall read his poem "The Crocodiles Are Crying" if you follow this link
http://4bc.com.au/podcasts/Rupert_McCall's_Rhymes/rupert%20_irwin_poem.mp3
Rupert is a sports DJ on a local Brisbane (Australia) radio station and is a well known and much loved local poet. I heard him on the radio tonight and he and his 6 year old daughter were at Australia Zoo today to hear his poem being read by David Wenham.
David is best known for his role of Faramir in The Lord Of The Rings movies

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!! I wanted to print this poem out. It is so beautiful! I can't read it or hear it with-out crying.

We will miss you Steve! Shall your dream live on through all of the people who love you!

Crocs Rule!

The only thing I have to say is "I am So Sad!" For the Love and Memory of The Croc Hunter, Steve Irwin <3 Wicked48

Last night when I watched the memorial service I was in tears from the moment it came on. The second they began to read "The Crocodiles Are Crying" I couldn't stop myself from erupting all over my bed.

I haven't cried as much as I did last night since my grandmother passed away in may 2004. This poem puts everything about his life into perspective. Thank you whoever put this on here.

Thank you Barker65...I knew he looked familiar.

And a special thank you to irwin4life4ever for posting this.

~ no croc tears ~

I watched that memorial and I am still crying. The hardest parts for me were the song, called You Changed Our World, the poem : "The Crocodiles Are Crying", and then I really stared to cry when Brian, I think that was his name, packed up Steve's stuff, from his sticks to his beloved surf board, and drove the truck through the line made by the crew of the Australia Zoo. It was a very sweet service however and the first time I smiled was when brave Bindi read her speech staright through without even breaking a tear. I thought that was wonderful to see her doing so well. I just hope that Terri, Robert Jr., Bob, Wes, John, Steve's sisters, I'm sorry I'm not sure on their names, and everyone else who knew and loved Steve can do the same. God Bless You All.

- Amber, 14
Chicago

Thank you to everyone for your kindness and your love for Steve Irwin . I hope this Forum never stops . May GOD be with you all and may WE all have a part of Steve with us Forever .

If you look at my name here and click it for more of my post , I wrote a Poem Myself . Short and Sweet and from My Heart .

Thank You !

THank you so much for posting this poem. It reflects Steve in every aspect. I will miss him so much, I feel like he was part of my family. I grew up watching him and his family/crew. I will truly miss him and wish his family the best.

Awesome poem. I haven't cried that hard since the last time I lost a family member.

what a beautiful poem; and that powerful one line; 'the crocodiles are crying" and then I cried so hard when I heard his father, Bob, say "dont grieve for steve: grieve for the animals who lost their best friend". It will be awhle before we get over this!