ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

ROCKHAMPTON
My Home Town

There is a place in Central Queensland
where the wide brown Fitzroy flows
as it makes it's lazy way down to the sea.
I've travelled all around this world
it's many sights to see
but Rocky is the only place for me.

Yes I've been to bigger cities
with their buildings oh so grand,
and I've travelled all the way out west
where good people shake your hand.

I don't know what it is that holds me
that makes me want to stay
but fate would have me live here
and it gets stronger every day.

Is it the boats that ride the river
the view from Mount Archer just on dawn
or perhaps the mist on Yeppen
on a cold and frosty morn.

Is it to walk the length of Quay street
with it's buildings oh so grand.
Or to wander through the gardens
with a loved one hand in hand.

Or that the people stop to greet you
in an open friendly way,
and that they have the time to stop and chat
and to pass the time of day.

It's a feeling from down deep inside
that makes one's spirit strong
to call this place your home town
and of knowing you belong.

I was born here in the fifties
but have always known one thing you see
I belong here by the Fitzroy
it is where I long to be
Yes Rockhampton will always be home to me.

Bob Pacey ( C )

Loverly Robert, but I'm confused - are the buildings "oh so grand" in the other bigger cities you've visited or In Quay St, Rocky?

And you forgot to mention the biggest tourism drawcard to Rocky by miles - that's all those big bullock replicas everywhere, and nearly all of them having one specific part of their anatomy that has been souvenired.

Marty

I've driven through Rocky but never stopped. Perhaps I should next time. You make it sound very welcoming.
wazza

If you do go to Rocky, a visit to the botanical gardens is a must.

Both Marty .


Still love the coast but Rocky holds a special place.

A walk along Quay Street is a must Wazza.


Bob

Is that where The Giddy Goat is Bob? (Gail n me didn't 'stroll' it...we drove around for half an hour trying to find these blighters....& there they were! Wot a strange place to look for lunch.)

Maybe we shoulkd have gone to "The Stoned Crow" instead Glenny? ...

I'm with you Bob, I like Rocky too, particularly Quay Street ...

PS. Well done ...

Quay street was where the Customs house was Glenny, The old building where the wake was held.


Geeeeeees anyone would think you were asleep or something


Bob

The Criterion Hotel on the corner was used by American servicemen on R & R.

I also believe a story exists about a ghost of a chambermaid who fell to her death and wanders the building at night.

croc used to tell people that I could fall asleep on a clothesline....& he was right!

What were you doing on the clothes line Glenny?