ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

William Williams
Bill was a member on the old forum where he contributed the odd poem,
and also wrote yarns, some of them are still on the forum now.
He had at least one book published ‘FROM THE HUMPY’
I recently had a note from his wife Maureen to tell me Bill had passed away,
By chance he’d rung up for a chat like he often did, it must have been a week or so before his death.

I have written this little poem in memory of Bill.

A Mate Of Mine Called Bill
I had met him years ago while on a poet’s online show,
where like me he scrawled a poem or two and gave the yarns a go.
Being bushies both at heart back then, a friendship quickly grew,
that continued unabated as the passing years just flew.

Even in the later years Bill always kept in touch with me,
as we swapped the latest news and talked about what used to be.
And it saddens me to hear my old mate has now passed away,
only days before he’d rung as usual, just to say g/day.

In my mind’s eye I can see him still out where the grass grows high,
and the buffalo are plentiful beneath a cobalt sky.
Or perhaps along a sandy shore with fishing rod in hand,
doing what he loved the best while leaving footprints on the sand.

©T.E. Piggott

Memories, though touched with sadness, are precious pieces of our lives. Nicely said Terry.
Wazza

Oops how did I miss this one. Sad to see another old poet departed Terry, and was great you were able to keep in touch with him for so long.
I recall having some interaction with Bill on the old forum on several occasions.
Cheers
Ron

Thanks Wazza & Ron

Yes sad to see so many of our older poets passing away.
Of late there seems to have been a real thinning of the ranks.

Terry

Had a lovely letter from Bills wife Maureen saying she loved the poem, which was very kind of her.

Terry

Just as a final note, I spoke to Maureen today, and it was good to have a few private words in person with her.

Terry

I’m saddened to hear of Bills passing Terry A lovely tribute to an old mate. RIP Bill.

Thanks Sue

Bill always kept in touch, usually with a phone call every few months.
I think he did the same with a lot of his friends,

Terry

Good onya Terry,
Sadly none of us are getting out of here alive. RIP Bill.

G/day Ross

And that day of reckoning is getting closer,
good to see that you're still ok Mate.
I seem to forever be writing these sad little poems.

Terry