A STEP BACK IN TIME

[Maureen K Clifford]

A STEP BACK IN TIME
TO WHEN HORSE WAS KING

If you’re driving down the highway leaving Brisbane heading south,
why not choose a route that takes you through a pretty country town,
with historical significance, grand old buildings from the past,
and drifts of lovely autumn leaves in shades of gold and brown.

It is not far from the border and has poplar trees so tall
that they shade the old stone buildings along the town’s main street.
Tucked away between two buildings is a tiny sandstone cottage
with tin roof and front verandah, where the locals often meet.
It was the home of a saddler, one who’s been feted in song,
and his story now is well known, so most folks know of this place.
For the saddler from Tenterfield is known around the world,
from the words his Grandson sang of him, love shining on his face.

The shop remains with everything exactly as it was.
They’re still making saddles there right to this day.
But if you don’t need a saddle you can still just go and look
and a small gold coin donation's all you pay.
Reminiscent of a time when the horse was truly King,
the Saddlers shop recalls such memories to me.
The broad backs and gentle natures of equines now long gone
are what helped to forge our nation – set us free.

I visualize a team throwing full weight into their collars,
with chain traces, silver ‘gainst their chestnut hides.
The horse brasses on their martingales glint golden in the sunlight,
four matched Clydesdale mares – the local carters pride.
They once pulled the heavy coaches through the streets of this fair city
where Banjo and bride were married – and perhaps, we’ll never know,
they may have hauled the honeymoon coach all the way to Sydney
providing poetic inspiration , courtesy of Cobb and Co.

A time that was less hurried was a part of life back then
and the horse was truly helpmate to this nation,
though we’ve captured them forever ‘neath the steel hoods of our cars
this format holds no poetic stimulation.
But if you would like to travel back a little way in time
to sit and dream awhile – ‘neath poplars gold and tall
Recalling times when horse was king, where echoes of Henry Parkes ring
then visit Tenterfield . You’ll find it all.

For it’s a pretty country town with historical significance
and the folks out there will always say G’day.
It’s just a border hop from Stanthorpe – travel south as Banjo did,
and step back in time - her beauty she’ll display.

Maureen Clifford ©

[Neville Briggs]

I thought that if you headed down the highway south from Brisbane you ended up in Logan City ........


I've been in the old Saddler's shop at Tenterfield, Maureen. It's very small, just off the main drag. I couldn't find any nice leather man bags there
I did get a bit sick of endless replays of Peter Allen singing on the musak.

[Bob Pacey]

Oh Nev you grumpy old man. !!!!


Bob