ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

Hi,

I'm a new member here and this is my first post. I lived in Sydney for years and last year moved to Crookwell, NSW. I've been a composer and since living in the country I have really grown to enjoy Australian bush poetry, and have just written my first bush poem which I have set to an original piece of music I wrote to accompany it, so thought I would share it here. I'm not sure how many other 'musical' bush poets there are out there!

If you would like to listen to me read my poem set to my music, I have uploaded it to youtube. I have a small recording studio on my farm, and I really enjoy recording my own works.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7z4qB40s4U

If you would just like to read my poem, here it is below. It is about a man who loses his property, and his life, to drought and the banks. I really look forward to more writing now I have the time at hand.

Waterfall Jackson

The letter was found in his pocket
Though the contents were still unread
It carried the stamp of the lawyers
So there was nothing more to be said

The grass, it bent like a shroud
And the trees, they hung their leaves
The flies around Jackson's head that day
They sang like bees

Jackson blew his brains out
Down by the old ghost gum
They say that the station-hand saw it
But he was deaf and dumb

The harvesters went to the bankers
And the tractor, she sold for a song
They chained the gate when the last ute left
They locked it up real strong

And still he was hoping
That the rain, it would come
Like a waterfall

Jackson spent his last day
Packing bags and shooting dogs
Still he looked up to that cloudless sky
Still he prayed to God

So he laid down by the old ghost gum
His finger on the trigger of his gun
And the shot rang out like a thunderclap
And it was done

And still he was hoping
That the rain, it would come
Like a waterfall

Congrqarulations Stephen If I may call you That welcome to the mad house where all are welcome and all advice is free take it as you wish mind you some of it will be at your own discresion

Good luck Bill Williams the old battler

Welcome Stephen. I'm a newcomer myself - good poem

Boots and all mate, I like that joined on Sunday post on monday good stuff.

A good start I'll have another read and a listen when i get home from work.

Some areas will probably solice some suggestions re meter and rhyme but a good first up effort. we have some award winning poets visit the site and they are always happy to help if you request it.


As Bill said any advice is yours to use or loose as you see fit.


Cheers and welcome.

Bob

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The purpose in life is to have fun.
After you grasp that everything else seems insignificant !!!

G'day Stephen,

welcome mate , not sure if you are aware but just out of Crookwell we have the Laggan Bush poets who have a session the first Wednesday of every month. We are gAthering this week on wednesday with a 7:30pm start , I will be there a bit earlier for a cleansing ale or two beforehand . Welcome to the site and if you haven't been yet feel free to pop into theLaggan Pub , the home of BushPoetry in theUpper Lachlan

Marty

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Campfires, good company and a few beverages under a night sky , it doesnt get any better than that

Hi Stephen and welcome,
I'm not as regular as some on here but check in occasionally and would probably put myself in the 'musical bush poets' category.....I think there is some of my stuff in the 'audio uploads' section....buried deep.....

Marty, good to hear there is a home of bush poetry in the Upper Lachlan ! ! - Last year I purchased the old bluestone convent in Murringo (between Young and Boorowa) - and while I still have a year or two in Bourke, I am planning to move there after that....will be great to have some regular events - I understand they also hold a monthly meeting at the Wombat Pub - did you know about this??....the flier I got sent says it was on Yesterday (ring Greg 63822506 or Ted 63827728)

cheers

h

g'day Hully , yep I was aware of the Wombat pub sessions , I havnet made it across as yet , so far they have clashed with carriage driving events and such but intend to get to one . Some nice country out that way mate , we actually came through there the other week on the way back from a carriage driving endurance , might be a bit colder than Bourke though

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Campfires, good company and a few beverages under a night sky , it doesnt get any better than that

Ha - yes it certainly is a bit colder than Bourke - and no Gidgee growing there ! ! - I foresee regular trips back here with a big trailer and a chainsaw - 4 fireplaces in the convent....spent a few bucks re-insulating the old place last year and will be looking at all the heating options we can to fight off the Winter's chill !!
But yes - the country is beautiful around there and I am looking forward to the change....

cheers

h

Thanks to everyone for the friendly welcome. Marty, I'll try and get along to the Laggan Pub this Wednesday for sure to introduce myself, sounds great!

Cheers

Steve Lindsay

G'day Stephen, good to see you having a go. I wondered about your photo, is that concerto for bass drum, you are working on

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Neville
Singleton Bush Poets.