ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

A little poem commissioned by the Cattle Dog & Kelpie Club of Qld. ('cause I'm still sooking over Bob's 'Annie'....& I miss my dog too.)

'Much More Than a Mate'
© Glenny Palmer

Hidden in the misty Scottish Highlands,
where the purple bells of heather gently sway,
lies the ancient wellspring of our rich endowment,
that lives in you, my faithful friend, today.

On a journey marked by love and dedication,
two centuries our fathers walked with you,
from the frosty fields of northern habitation,
to the land of searing sands the Dingoes knew.

And your seed was sown with sound deliberation,
as your purpose here on earth was well defined,
for the harsh new land demanded high distinction,
sought the best of all, together in one kind.

So the fathers saw the best were brought together,
linked the ancient stock to eager working seed,
stout heartedness they gleaned from golden native,
and gave us you, our precious working breed.

Yes, you, my friend, my Aussie working canine,
with broad head, strong and muscular at jaw,
your ready ears pricked short and sharp and heedful,
your brown eyes ever watchful at my door.

Oh, it's such a sight to watch you work the livestock,
yes, you know just when to duck, avoid that kick,
or bound across the sheep backs in the bulldust,
you're a true blue Aussie icon, my first pick!

Some sceptics say that you can't be a show dog,
too frisky, free, undisciplined, they say,
but all your ribbons proudly line our mantel,
and the way you worked, you earned your due today.

But I wonder who it was who taught you language,
yes, I know you understand each word we say,
seems your deaf when Mum says"..off the lounge, bad doggie",
But mention food....you're by her feet to stay.

And if ever I am down and heavy hearted,
when human beings seem so unaware,
somehow you know and snuggle up beside me,
and I hear you pant "I love you.", true ...I swear.

So I really can't imagine life without you,
why I deserve your special kind of care,
I think God favours Cattle/Kelpie/Stumpy's,
'cause you're all angels (wrapped in doggie hair.)

Ta Martyboy. They're little rippers aren't they? Gee I wish I could talk 'dog' at times. I reckon it'd be the best most bonza convo you could have......mmmm....might work on that thought for a poem....

You sent me this in the early days Glenny and I loved it - still do - my girls herding instincts are coming into play with my neighbours new chooks - fascinating to watch the genes kick in to the best of my knowledge she has never seen a sheep or a cow, but she musters these chooks like a little ripper...now if we could only get through the fence.

Good to have you back on line - you've been missed.

Cheers

Maureen

Reckon you are gonna pay for that later Marty.

Lucky you got her best side !!!!!!


Bob

Ta lots Mausy. I missed youse heaps too.

Martyboy, that look in Lilly's eyes seems to smack of... 'Go ahead. Make my day!'

Oh she is a cutie right enough - precious girl. Give her a cuddle and pat from me

Big tough not nice Marty, naughty Marty, bad Marty, I think you might be a bit of a softie.....

Go on, you can tell me. I won't say a word sshhhhh!

Marty has told me personally that he really loves the way his dog looks at him with loving eyes and not many people know that he also has a cat !!! it is called puddles and sleeps on the end of his bed every night.

Now leave him alone.

Bob

And crabpot bait Marty !!!!!!

Bob