Many people fly from all parts of Australia to cash in on the boom, which is great.
However, the lifestyle is not all it is made out to be - the rate of relationship breakdowns, suicide, depression etc, is quite high among those working in that environment, although others absolutely love it!!
Had been going to write this for quite awhile, after seeing the effects of the lifestyle on a number of people I know.
It certainly doesn't classify as great, descriptive poetry -'tis rather bland!!
- but says what I wanted to say.Fly In, Fly Out – Pathway to Your Dreams
© Irene Conner
08/04/2011
The economy is booming in our nation’s western state
and temptation is beguiling; there’s no time to hesitate.
It’s a fortune you’ll be making,
poverty you’ll be forsaking.
Please don’t doubt – there’s no mistaking
you will find yourself in clover – fly in, fly out life is great!
You’ll no longer have to worry how you’ll ever buy a house.
You can fill your life with ‘yuppie’ toys if you just use your nous.
There is food and board included
out on minesites quite secluded,
but beware you’re not deluded
for within lie hidden pitfalls, lurking silent as a mouse.
* * * * *
They’d been dreaming of their future and the house his job would buy;
just a few short years of FIFO- and that time would surely fly.
But the nights were long and lonely;
many times, he’d try to phone. She
always said that she was only
at a friends house for the company – he felt it was a lie.
Then one day he got home early and discovered he was right
and he walked away from both of them - no energy to fight.
In the camp, they heard him crying
but nobody saw him tying
knots that left him hanging, dying,
and his shattered dreams died with him in the silence of the night.
* * * * *
He is young, and fit and healthy, with no reins to curb his dreams
and he buys his land and houses; for retirement he schemes.
To a vision he is clinging
that one day he will be singing;
that his efforts will be bringing
him the freedom that he longs for, but life isn’t what it seems.
Days are long, and hot and humid as he bends his back in toil;
and he’s bought himself a business, so from work he won’t recoil.
But in youth, he was mistaken
now his confidence is shaken,
and his dreams must be forsaken
as five years of slog are stolen, and depression starts to broil.
* * * * *
She was filled with love for family , tho’ he had gone away
earning money to support them, for they needed better pay.
She was due to birth young Lizzie,
had two boys to keep her busy
and life’s stress made her feel dizzy
but she knew they’d be together as a family one day.
In the north, his days were long and hard; temptation, it was strong.
One was there who shared his world with him – he knew that it was wrong.
Back at home a mother’s shattered
for their life no longer mattered
and three children’s lives are scattered
as they hear their Mother crying for their Daddy all night long.
* * * * *
She’s alone with just the children all but one week out of four.
There’s no choice but to be taking charge like she has not before.
She must make her own decision,
and it’s causing some division
for she treats him with derision
when he’s home, because she doesn’t need assistance anymore.
He has lost the role he’s always known, and wears a constant frown
and he knows he’s pretty moody everytime he’s back in town.
As her confidence proceeded,
he began to feel unneeded;
now his self esteem’s impeded
by the worthlessness that grips him, and his spirit’s sinking down.
* * * * *
Yes, there’s money for the taking – you may find your dreams come true.
You may find the lifestyle in the north is just the one for you.
You may love the friends you’re making,
the long days and early waking,
and the money you are raking
in and feel that it is worthy of the hardships you go through.
But consider all the options ‘ere you’re ready to rejoice.
Don’t let thoughts of easy money over-ride your inner voice.
Know the pitfalls you are facing;
are they worth the pay you’re chasing?
Seek the truth- be all embracing
and be sure within your heart that you have made the better choice.
