A Few Words

[thestoryteller]

A FEW WORDS

Depression years were hard on folks,
a quid was hard to find.
Some men they took Matilda up
and left their kin behind.

On dusty old dirt roads they tramped
in search of work and grub.
A log fire signalled where they camped
and creeks were where they’d tub.

They mostly travelled ‘round in twos,
but seldom did they speak.
You’d swear words were a quid a piece
or used just once a week.

Old Doughy Dave and Sundown Sam
were typical I ‘spose.
They’d tramp for days, though sure enough
no conversation rose.

Then late one arve they passed a beast
which they there in a field.
The meat was blown, so they missed out,
no steaks would that beast yield.

While sitting ‘round the campfire’s glow
old Sundown fin’lly spoke,
“Darn shame that steer was blown eh Dough
and rolled another smoke.”

“A steer,” Dough said, “you’re joking mate
the darn thing was a cow.”
Then silence over took the camp,
it’s all they’d say for now.

Next morning as old Doughy rose
to meet another day,
seems Sundown Sam had broken camp
and set off on his way.

He’d left a few words on a note,
I guess not compliments,
but simply said, Moved on old mate
too many arguments.

Jokes and yarns are undeniably very much a part of our Australian culture and have been told and retold for decades. Poets through the years have always enjoyed the challenge of presenting them in verse.

© Merv Webster

From the book Laughter and Tears from the Bush