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Way out west beyond the Great Divide, the land is barren dusty and dry,
where the land is painted deep earthy red, beneath a blue rainless sky.
A land where boys are boys and men are men with nothing in between,
where a man is judged by the jaws he broke and use of words obscene.
These men never shirk hard work and ‘surrender ’ is an unknown word,
where mates are mates after too many grogs even if speech is slurred.
Short or tall or stocky or stout these men are a special Australian brand,
the cream of the crop unafraid of a scrap, these men defended our land.
They live in a harsh and unyielding place, still measured by the square mile,
where rivers run dry they live a tough life, but always come up with a smile.
A land where the sun fries your brains, if not wearing a broad brimmed hat,
where the billy is boiled on a smouldering fire, as they sit around for a chat.
A land that blooms free after rain, bright flowers of every colour and shape,
where windmills creak pumping water for cattle, across a barren landscape.
A land that relied on a stock horse’s skills, life time mate for his rider of old,
Where motorbikes scream like mad machines and choppers now tail-out bold.
The thirsty dawn patrol, and bogan fleas, some of the things rarely now seen,
where babbling brooks no longer cook and dampers are made by machine.
Road trains galore can carry much more, quicker than those heroes of old,
where drovers and ringers hung up their spurs and never sleep in the cold.
Bugger me! it’s great to be free where the Southern Cross blazes all night,
we may be quaint, (though some of us aint), especially when high as a kite.
My ancestors I adore and respect, for they have done the really hard miles,
I give a loud cheer for what they have done, as I drive with unlimited smiles.
A land quite grand of rocks and sand with white beaches surrounding the lot,
where she’s apples mate, life’s really great, we’re havin a blow-out tonight.
For those from other lands (and those who are ‘aint’, but snobbishly hide their heritage ) the following explanations of the slang used above is described.
Great Divide : A mountain range running north to south on the east coast of Australia that divides the Inland from the coast.
Grogs: Alcoholic drinks, Usually beer.
Cream of the crop : The best there is. Highest quality physically.
Scrap : A barney, a fight, a brawl, a stoush.
Billy : A can like container with wire handle and lid in which tea leaves are brewed over an open fire.
Windmill : A wind powered water pumping system on a high metal stand.
Stock Horse: A horse specially bred for mustering cattle.
Tail-out : To keep the cattle together and under control
Bogan Flea : A type of burr
Dawn Patrol : Drinkers lined up at the back door of the pub before opening time.(Pub: Hotel )
Babbling Brook : A camp cook who used to cook for the drovers, ringers and others.
Damper : A type of bread cooked in hot coals or in a camp oven (covered cast iron pot)
Road Trains : Prime mover with several dog trailers carrying cattle. (Often gross over 100 tons)
Drovers : Horsemen who drove and looked after the herd.
Ringers : Highly skilled horsemen who were employed as expert horsemen and the name derives from wheeling or turning a galloping mob (herd) of cattle especially in a rush. (stampede)
Southern Cross : Group of stars in the southern hemisphere that are always visible and always point south
High as a kite : Drunk, had too much alcoholic drink, pissed, blotto, blind drunk,
She’s apples mate : Good as done, Ok,
Blow out : A spree with alcohol (mostly beer).
.
Author notes
Written October 19th, 2006 by Bazza
Bazza
In a list
A contest entry
- Superheroes, Supervillains, Superpowers, Get The Gist? by Death of the Author.
875 points, ended August 25, 2007, 19 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - INVITE ONLY 2 by Darc Soul.
600 points, ended September 23, 2007, 7 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 34 of 34
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Incredible!!! great write and excellent use of rhymes, as well with the metere it flowed beautifully, at first I thought you were describing cowboys, but though slightly wrong country, it may not be that far off, the australians are now just as well known, I like your idea of heroes. fantastic write and thanks for commenting on hero and villian.
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Brilliant!
What a superb write...loved it from start to finish!...congrats on the trophy!...its a fair dinkum poem mate!...regards Dan!
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I forgot to mention this is one of the best poems I have ever read. So I have just said it
Excellent, truly, I mean that
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I can instantly tell your style of poetry so I always know it is you Bazza, and I love all your poems, but by far this has to be my favourite. I really, really, really enjoyed it. It had a great story, that flowed so well, punctuated with spot on rhymes and great humour. I cannot even begin to pick out a favourite line, they are all just so brilliant. Although I knew some of the words, I didn't know all and the gloassary at the end was a great touch. Well bloody done. Loved it Good luck (you really don't need the luck it's that good) and take care x
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Thank you for your contest submission, I do need to ask you review the rules and edit your submission appropriately. Please IM me and let me know this has been done, thank you.
Well this certainly took me back to my years in the South, to be certain. I would suggest putting your definitions portion in your notes, as that is a more proper place for them. Best of luck in this and all of your endeavors.
Hetohke'e * 
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Thank you for the requested edit, submission has been noted.
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No problem at all. Thanks for reading it and commenting and so glad you found it interesting.
Edited on Oct 27, 4:14 p.m. because ''. -
This was a good read, I really enjoyed it and i got mad for blinking becasue I felt I would miss something. Thanks for sharing this
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Mate, most of the rules and crap is only a cover for lack of ability and laziness in not putting in the hard miles. Great place, great people but we have arseholes just like any other country. As far as my "mything' the Australian character, well yoy wait and see, there are still many tough bastards from the bush out there. I would never be gam to suggest to their face that they are only myths .....probaly just smile then knock you out with one punch lol
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Thanks mate but the replies have somehow got mixed up with the others.
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Sorry Reenie my reply went to the prior commenter .. this wireless internet is not infallible . Thanks for your comments.
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Thanks for the comments but do you think that is an epic ? lol you shoud try my poem The Axeman .. a book ? I write story poems and find it hard to combine a story, adquate imagery etc into anything much shorter and dont believe in shorthand type poetry either for it is too vage. I really appreciate your honest comments and thanks again.
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Thanks mate for your comments and do you have the clap or are you applauding me ??? hmmmm ??
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A country that breeds strong men.I would imagine a harsh life but a rewarding one.It seems you are enjoying your travels and I wish you well, Ros
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Thank you for this.....for sharing a little bit of your heritage, your slang, your country....and the pride that you show in being whom you are etc,etc. I very much enjoyed this trip to the "Land down under"
reenie
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Fun and Funny
Well, I'm not one for EPIC poems, but this was hard to put down once I began reading. A very enjoyable read. -
Needs a little work
Well Bazza lad, my son lives in NT.
I've been 3 times, and still think their "real" men look like big girls' blouses, with their long hair and beards!
They're f***g weird!
Nice poem.
Robin.
PS Have the clap! -
Be well and enjoy. Thanks for sharing a glimpse with us.
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flawless piece
lol go Barry this is awesome my friend.10/10 excellent
take-care from Tracey
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Thanks for the comment Bob but I don't understand your meaning. Recognise it ?? .... It is my own original work and not copied in any way at all from ayone else's work. Anything similar is pure coincidence .. honest !!
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Hi Bazza. fabulous story, but don't I recognise it ?
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And I wake up from my reverie... childhood heroes and friends of your... mmm... many an Aussie bloke pales in comparison to what it was to be a man back in the day. There are still several around, genuine man of the Australian brand. Us lads from the big smoke seldom find ourselves moulded after that which I think is a great loss. Good stuff to ruminate on. Another inspiring write from you.
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Robert Service Meets Banjo Patterson Meets Bazza great work my friend.One the boys would love. So much life within this piece Had be reaching for a stubby.Always a joy to this Old Pommie B-----d to read such work great job Love it
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Mairi, it is only the Scottish genes that make me a chroicler of the country Ilove and proud of, same as you.
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Mairi you wonderful Scot. That is the greatest compliment I have evre had. My stars said last week that I would receive the pinnacle of a lifetime and although others will disagree, it is wonderful to be compared with Henry and Banjo and twice tonight by two different people. Love you ...
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Thanks mate, just a city boy proud of his heritage. Glad you enjoyed it and I hope you try some of my many other subjects too on the site.
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EXCELLENT POEM
Well This was such a pleasure to read my friend. You do spin a byarn like no other I know. Your imagery is so breathtaking that it brings me into the story. I can see all you have described. Almost touch it. This gave me a smile. Pure and simple poetry. You take good care of yourself. You are always in my prayers and heart my friend. So miss you. Can't wait till you can chat again. HUGS and SMILES for a dear friend who has helped me so much who is on the road again!!! . Love, Sandy -
Thanks mate, but dont worry about the pernickety bits because first draft is always like that but when I come back to tidy it up and the original feelings have gone you will see it in much better form. I am impatient I suppose but the 'melody' of the poem has to receed so I can see the wood amongst the trees and then I can clean it up. It also allows me to start another poem which has a different melody and so it is easy to go back and edit the previous one. Silly I know but it works for me. I am certain after reading the previous two poems (edited versions now) you will see what I mean. When I write I am just a spectator watching the words appear .. like an out of body experience so 'tweaking' is often necessary. Anyway, I will let you know when it has been cleaned up and hope you like it better then.
I do not believe in strict meter as I specialise in rhymed free verse as it allows me to make a better melody and rhythm for I often dislike the mechanical staccato effect that strict metering can cause. But I do both when the occasion warrants it. Great to have your supportive comments mate. -
Excellent
I loved loved it, Sounds like my kinda place. I have a few Assie mates here and they are just as you descibe them. When I need a smile or a Beer I know just where to find it. WEll done poet. -
Bazza~
Hey! I thought that this was a really good poem. It was nicely written. Keep on keeping on.
~!~Manda~!~ -
Bazza - been a long time, mate. Well you know what I think of your poetry even before my fingers touch the keyboard. It is authentic, basic, sparkling... It tells the Aussie what he wants to believe about himself... To me, you're up there with Henry Lawson as a chronicler of The Great Australian Self-Myth, and do you know what - somehow you prove that it isn't half as much of a myth as it ought to be, and is twice as true as we thought it was.
Compare yourself to Henry, Bazza, and good onya. rpo.library.utoronto.ca/poem/1281.html -
Bazza! Being fellow Aussies and all, thought I'd pop back to see your newest post.
Okay...I'm going to get the pernickety bit out of the road first...When I started reading this, I was strongly reminded of the flow and wonderful ballad-style rhythm of Banjo Paterson (one of my personal heroes)..but it fell a bit overboard along the way, sometimes regaining it, and then losing it once more. I'm sure that with a bit of tweaking, this poem can really stand proud as a great Australian ballad. You really do have a feel for what you are writing ~ it shines through every word.
The reason I'm so picky over rhythm (when I realise others may not be so) is that I do public performance poetry, and to keep my audience on task and listening throughout, I really have to make sure there is a definite and regular 'bounce' to each line, even though there may not be an absolute syllable count.
Anyway, I like your style, so keep up the good work ~ and have a blast travelling around beautiful QLD!
Kindest regards, Lou x -
Okay this poem rocks!!!
It has reminded me of the fun of life. The down to earth pleasures of being alive. Simple ways of enjoying our lives. I get so caught up in high paced society, that I forget my origins. Thank you for sharing this piece, made me smile. These are my favourite lines
"Bugger me it’s great to be free where the Southern Cross blazes all night,
We may be quaint, (though some of us aint), especially when high as a kite.
A land quite grand of rocks and sand with white beaches surrounding the lot,
Where she’s apples mate, life’s fuckin great, we’re havin a blow-out tonight."
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Nice work mate< you sound like an Aussie cowboy. Until the Autralia part I actually thought it was about the old american west.
Great imagery and good rhyming.
Very patriotic and a good tribute to your homeland.
Kind regards
Kangaroo Jack
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