Wenham's poetic tribute

Sunshine Coast Daily

21.09.2006

READING Aussie bush poet Rupert McCall's moving poem to Steve Irwin was one of the hardest things actor David Wenham has ever had to do.

"The poem was extremely beautiful and I delivered it as simply and honestly as I could, but it wasn't easy,¨ Wenham told the Daily yesterday.

The first time he read it, just under a week ago, he couldn't hold back the tears. "It was exceptionally moving.¨

Wenham first met Steve six years ago when working on the Hollywood movie blockbuster Collision Course.

Since then, they kept in touch with their last conversation only a few weeks before his shocking death.

Which is why he didn't hesitate to leave Los Angeles to read the poem for Steve yesterday.

"When I was asked if I would do it, I didn't hesitate. I said it would be an honour,¨ he said.