ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

Reincarnation

Around the fire place in the bunkhouse
sat the stockmen most forlorn.
They slowly sipped upon their rum
and waited for the cold grey dawn.

They yarned about so many things
they told of sorry and of strife.
What they would be if born again
and there should be an after life.

A bird said Bill would be his choice
to fly the skies and be so free.
To live off the land and travel
would be good enough for me.

A shark said Blue when came his turn
a crazy killer would he be.
His size was sure to keep him safe
from the perils of the sea.

Through the door then came the overseer
the wind behind his back did moan.
He'd spent the night around the mob
and was chilled right to the bone.

But no one made a move to shift
from their warm seat near the fire.
He glared at each man in his turn
and each one felt his burning ire.

To break the deadly silence
Bill asked if he could say.
What would he like to come back as
if he were to die today.

A bloody dog the boss replied
that would be my only choice.
A deadly silence filled the bunk house
there was such malice in his voice.

But Bill pressed on with his enquiry
though he could not seem to take a trick
why a dog? he asked the boss
it seemed to be the strangest pick.

Well the boss drew in his frozen breath
a dog would suit me fine all right.
I can't think of a better beast
on such a cold and windy night.

Maybe then one of you mangy mongrels
would see that I'm cold and beat.
Then get up to sniff me flaming bum
and let me have a nice warm seat.

Bob Pacey ( C )

and you surely meant to put this into the writing workshop segment didn't you Bob is it it coincidental that you met the criteria

I like it

Cheers

Maureen

It was in my nearly completed file Maureen and just need a bit of a tidy up but i wanted to beat Marty !


And yes it did fit the bill.


Bob