ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

The Jelly Bean Mine

It's cold down there in the jelly bean mine.
It's cold and it's dark, and it isn't a joy,
But the men still go,
With a shovel and hoe,
For the pleasure of each little girl and boy.

It's wet down there in the jelly bean mine.
It's wet and it's dark, and the hours are long,
But the men don't shirk.
They will eagerly work
For a grandchild's smile, or a snatch of song.

I've been down there in the jelly bean mine.
I've stood in line with my barrow and pick.
I curse at my plight,
But I beam at the sight
Of a barrow of beans, and my heart beats quick.

If you go down to the jelly bean mine,
Remember you won't be there forever.
It's a long, hard track,
But you will look back
With a well-earned pride at your great endeavour.

Stephen Whiteside 01.03.2014

I like it!!
Val W

Save the black ones for me

Mmmm and the red ones, and the white ones - you can have the green ones!

And to think I bought shares in the M&M mining.

I started this thinking it would be a poem for kids, but quickly realised it was actually a little reflection on the highs and lows of parenting.

As I started to read it I thought immediately of kids. Nicely done Stephen.
And I think the kids would enjoy it.
Wazza

OK. Thanks for that, Wazza.

I think you nailed it both ways Stephen, I enjoyed it and I have not long read it to my Six year old grandaughter who immediately gave it the thumbs up! (I think the jellybeans got her in straight away!)
Ron

That's great news, Ron. Thanks!