The Bravest of the Brave

For sharing of original song lyrics, together with haiku, sonnets and other unusual poetry forms. Although not strictly bush poetry, we welcome the sharing of members' compositions in these three genres, with a view to inclusiveness and mutual encouragement. Open to all Registered Forum Users. See Board Index for separate section on free verse and non-rhyming poetry.
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thestoryteller
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The Bravest of the Brave

Post by thestoryteller » Thu Jun 16, 2016 7:53 pm

THE BRAVEST OF THE BRAVE

All those years of droving cattle hell they surely were a battle
as my back hurts something woeful and I’m up near half the night.
And I carry scars from busters earnt in wild and wooly musters
in the back blocks of this country where mad scrubbers take to flight.

And the years of bare back riding where my frame it copt a hiding
and I gained the limp I live with all those many years ago.
But my aches and pains all faded and I sat there kind of jaded
when I heard our darling Sophie had been dealt another blow.

CHORUS

You’re too young to have to suffer and your pain is so much rougher,
but we see you as our hero and the bravest of the brave.
So dear Sophie keep your spirit and sweet angel please believe it
When we tell you little darling you’re the bravest of the brave.

I recall how I was shatteredwhen I first saw how your battered
body fought to overcome the scars of burns and loss of limbs.
In the outback I have ridden with tough men I’ve known who’ve hidden
any sign of pain as weakness and despite things looking grim.

But you’re tough as old boot leather and I can’t say I have ever
seen such courage in a youngster like you showed through that ordeal.
There are millions in this Nation who hearts live in expectation
and we know your fighting spirit will win out and help you heal.

CHORUS

You’re too young to have to suffer and your pain is so much rougher,
but we see you as our hero and the bravest of the brave.
So dear Sophie keep your spirit and sweet angel please believe it
when we tell you little darling you’re the bravest of the brave.

© Bush Poet and Ballad Writer - Merv Webster

On December 15 2003 Sophie first came to the attention of the public when she and Molly Wood, both two years old at the time, were badly injured when they were trapped under a burning car which had crashed through a gate into the Roundhouse Childcare Centre at Fairlight in Sydney, Australia. Sophie suffered burns to 85% of her body and lost feet, some fingers, and her right ear.

Then on May 5, 2006 Sophie made national headlines a second time when she was again badly injured in a road accident. While being pushed across a pedestrian crossing in a wheelchair (by her nanny with her service dog Tara by her side) near her home in Sydney's northern beaches, she was hit by a car and thrown 18 metres. Sophie suffered a heart attack, a broken jaw and shoulder bone, bruising to her head, numerous rib fractures and a tear to her left lung. Despite all this Sophie survived and continues to get on with her life. Pictures below.

I was inspired to write the tribute above to a very brave little girl. The song was recorded on the “Bard to Balladeer” album in 2006 and also the “Bush Ballads and Verse” album in 2010.
Some days your the pidgeon and other days the statue.

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