ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

Dear Manfred and David,

It is not very often I do something like this, but I was so disgusted to read about the theft of one of the 'Babies of Walloon' in the April-May 2012 issue of the ABPA magazine that I felt moved to write a short poem about it in the style of Henry Lawson's original The Babies of Walloon.

It is at times like this we despair of what goes on in some people's heads! However, it is certain that the outrage and determined combined efforts of the Ipswich community, Ipswich City Council and Hannah's Foundation will ensure this wonderful tribute will be proudly restored.

Yours sincerely,
Catherine Lee Clarke
(Member of Australian Bush Poets' Association currently living overseas)


Our Babies of Walloon
(c) 2012, Catherine Lee Clarke

They were arrogant and feral and approached with ill intent
with their angle grinders, sniggering and sneering as they went.
They defiled this pleasant haven while a shocked and helpless moon
watched with sorrow as they stole our precious Baby of Walloon.

In their ignorant stupidity they cut her from her stand
and divided our beloved girls with rough and careless hand.
May these thieves be plagued with nightmares so they’ll never come again,
by the angry souls of darling Bridget Kate and Mary Jane!

We will reunite the sisters in a solid base of stone
to ensure that neither one of them will ever stand alone;
we’ll rebuild this precious tribute to our babes who died too soon
when attracted by the lilies in the water of Walloon.

As those lilies hold their breath and wait for justice to be served,
we will raise the funds to counteract this theft so undeserved;
yet although there are no witnesses and no-one to impugn,
we’ll restore the tranquil waters of the now disturbed lagoon.

And although it’s been appalling, just like losing them again,
we’ll secure protection now for Bridget Kate and Mary Jane.
They’ll remain at peace together under ever watchful moon,
while the lilies sigh once more to mourn our Babies of Walloon.

They’ll return to gather flowers from that river far away
where eternal blooms delight them in their innocence at play,
while we all condemn and then forget this deed inopportune
and our children hold the legend of the Babies of Walloon.
---

Catherine that is superb - why do you not enter that into the Ipswich Poetry Feast which is coming up Entries close 270712 or if comps are not your thing - would you consider passing it along to the Ipswich city Council I am sure that our Mayor Paul Pisasale would be delighted to have it. It is really excellent and thank you so much for taking the time to write such a beautiful verse for our two girls - it is so sad to go and see just one remaining

Cheers

Maureen

Catherine

What a beautiful poem. Thankyou for sharing. I'll be back to read and re-read. Would be great for you or some one to recite in competition as it has depth and feeling. I personally love these type of poems particularly in response to such an act of vandalism to something so precious!

Cheers

Dot

Beautiful poem Catherine.
Yes, you wonder what goes through peoples heads sometimes, don't you?
But I always believe that "What goes around, comes around!"
One day, some way, those who do these things are required to pay their dues.

thanks for sharing
Irene

An act o vandalism or just stolen to sell as scrap to feed a habit, it’s a poor state of affairs.

You can take the poet of Australia but you can’t take Australia out of the poet.

Goodonya Catherine Lee Clarke

TTFN

Hey everyone the poem was posted by Manfred so I doubt Catherine will be able to read your comments ???




Bob

Maybe not Bob, but I suspect Manfred posted it knowing it would get comments and planning to pass them on to Catherine!!

YEP!! Irene, you're right on the money ...

Dear All,
Wow! Thank you so very much for all the wonderful comments on my poem! I have been completely blown away by them, and they brought tears to my eyes. I greatly appreciate your fantastic feedback and support – thank you again!

Oh we only do that Catherine is something is really good - and it was

Cheers

Maureen