ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

I was looking through my old files yesterday and came across this one it was written in 2009 and picked up a HC in the Golden Wattle that same year,
But I had to smile while reading it again and remembering the recent great debate, seems nothing much has changed.
Cheers Terry

THE BUSH WILL LIVE AGAIN

I don’t know if you’ve noticed all this talk there’s been of late,
suggesting that bush poetry has reached it’s used by date.
Some say the story of the bush has long ago been told,
it’s time to leave it all behind; it’s time to break the mould.

Well hang on there a moment, do I really need explain,
we haven’t scratched the surface yet; the bush will live again.
Sure things have changed a little, as you surely would expect,
just look around the cities; stop a moment to reflect.

There’s countless stories to be told by all our poet mates,
just head into the bush, but don’t forget to close the gates.
There’s so much happening these days; more than there was before,
a bigger range of stories; you should look around once more.

The mining boom is in full swing; there’s cyclones still about;
we still have devastating floods and endless years of drought.
So put a modern spin on it; the way it is today,
you’ll find there’s still excitement in these stories we portray.

The horse and cart has had its day and cars now rule the roost,
they’ve opened up the country; given travelling folk a boost.
Its never been so easy; have a go and spread your wings,
a tour in to our outback holds so many wondrous things.

Though motorbikes and choppers do most mustering today;
the horse is still in use, but has a lesser role to play.
Good working dogs are still around and worth their weight in gold
and Shearer’s are still ringing sheds, just like in days of old.

A modern rush is in full swing; has been for some years past
and fortunes have been made by some; I’ll bet they’re not the last.
So mums and dads are in the bush with nuggets on their mind
and granddads and their mates, I’m told, are not too far behind.

Remoteness is not hard to find if solitude’s your wish,
you’ll find it in a forest, where you’ll catch a decent fish.
Or sitting round a campfire while you gaze up at the stars
and dream about an icy beer in friendly country bars.

New stories happen daily with exciting yarns to tell,
the country’s still as beautiful; the bush alive and well.
So lets go write the stories that are happening today,
but don’t forget Australia’s past, or it will fade away.

*****

T.E. Piggott © 2009

Like cockroaches.

Remember this one Terry - thought it great then and still do

Cheers

Maureen

G/day Marty,

There's those who are hell bent on changing things.

And those who are equally determined to keep things as they were.

And then there are those who don't care either way.

Terry

Hi Maureen, Thanks.

This one shows we'll never be short of a talking point or even an idea for a poem.

Cheers Terry

Yes Terry, your piece certainly stirs the juices.
My statement - more to be done than has been done.

"Modern Rhymes for Aussie Times"
is the header for my Amblin' Around Australia series.
Jim

G/day Jim,

There's still plenty to see and write about if you care to look isn't there mate,
regardless of your preferences.

Cheers Terry

The past, the present and the even the future, as you say no shortage
of topics. Plenty of stories still to tell in verse.
Well written.

I am sure you are right Terry. there will always be plenty of stories, plenty of songs about the 'bush' .
It's a question of whether we want to keep singing the songs all to the same tune.
And I don't think it is a matter of running out of stories, it's a matter of always finding new and fresh ways of presenting the stories. Poets face the extremely difficult task of making something that hasn't been seen or heard before. That is to say, the story may have been heard many times, but the poem has not.

G/day Dennis,
From my own observations there are so many things to write about and in my opinion more than ever before.
The bush has opened up and is alive with activity, but there still remains very isolated areas to enjoy if you wish
to make the effort to see them.

Cheers Terry

G/day Neville,
I have often said that we should be always trying to enhance our poems to the best of our abilities.
But if you're happy to do your own thing, then do it mate.
One thing that is often overlooked is that even to this day, most people still prefer the type of poetry written 100 or more years ago,
for some reason it still strikes a chord with most people who attend musters etc.
Perhaps eventually we may discover a way of writing poetry today that will still be being recited in another 100 years.
My own gut feeling is that it won't necessarily be because of it's technical excellence, - although I personally enjoy a well written poem - my guess is that if we succeed, it will be about stories that excite or touch people for years to come, things that are happening now but told in such a manner that they live on.

Cheers Terry