first published in June, 2006

"HEATH--AN APPRECIATION"

He was a "Down Under" birth
It happened in Perth
(Land of the hairy possum!
Which, like Mr. Ledger, is awesome)

Heath's your typical Aussie:
Adventurous, saucy
Jovial, brave,
A likable knave

His prescient parents must have known if
They gave their child the name of Heathcliff

It might one day become a factor

In his decision to be an actor

And some day I hope Heath WILL set his sights

On playing his namesake in "Wuthering Heights"

And as for the movies he's actually made
Each one shows Heath's rich talent displayed

Each film also shows varied facets of him:

A Knight's Tale, Four Feathers, The Brothers Grimm,

Ned Kelly, The Patriot, Monster's Ball
Heath was impressive in them all
Low-key yet volcanic, broody yet ingratiating

Mixtures of moods which make this actor fascinating

Who else could play both Casanova of Venice

And a tormented Wyoming cowboy named Ennis?

Oh Lord! His performance in Brokeback Mountain!

Heath broke many hearts, in the millions and countin'

Even those who already thought Heath a star

Were wowed anew by his Ennis Del Mar

A man who was freed yet constricted by love

This is acting that movie icons are made of

Talent, looks, brains, nerve, Heath has it all

Like his co-star and off-screen "mate," Jake Gyllenhaal

And the depth and range shown by these men of young years

Ensures that they'll have legendary careers.