THE STRANGER

[Maureen K Clifford]

He was known as the stranger though he’d lived for years near town
not that many often saw him. Quite reclusive with a frown
etched often on his face above thick bushy beetling brows.
A long beard hid most of his face. In some folks fear he aroused.
He was not at all outgoing – some had never heard his voice,
though he had one, it was just that silence seemed to be his choice.
He came to town to pick up mail, and buy a few provisions,
drove an old battered Toyota, with its fair share of collisions.

On board he always had three dogs – that’s how I knew he spoke
and ‘twas from those conversations I made judgement of this bloke.
I knew that he was soft inside – a heart like melted butter
for I heard endearments that he gave the dogs in a low mutter.
I saw the way their eyes lit up when he came into view
they sat with soft tails waving , for this was the man they knew
and trusted, loved and worked with - the centre of every day.
They’d no preconceived ideas as to why he was that way.

I’d seen the way his calloused hand caressed each downy head.
How he took each face between his hands, who knew what words he said.
Three plumy tails in unison all wagged in sheer delight.
Perhaps he spoke of tucker. Maybe said – ‘chicken tonight’.
Yes to some he was a stranger, but he never was to me.
He was just a kindred spirit the sort of bloke I’d like to be.
For I too am here a stranger – a new comer to this place
though unlike him I’m clean shaven, and have not a well worn face.

I’m not proud of my past – I hope here to make amends
and stay off the drugs and liquor which lost me family and friends.
I now recognize the dangers of these relationship stranglers
there for taking, just like baited lines for fish, pulled in by anglers.
I said ‘G’day’ next time we passed – said ‘I’m a stranger here
and I wonder Mate would you have time to spare for a cold beer
in exchange for local knowledge? Mate I’m looking for a job
something with sheep and horses – I know how to work a dog.


I’ve spent a lot of time on lots of different properties
in the past I’ve got the wanderlust, a yearning to be free.
But I like this town and really have a yen to call it home.
I am older now and grown a brain. Have no wish now to roam.’
He looked at me from bright blue eyes beneath the shadowed brim
of his stained paddock hat well worn – an awful lot like him,
‘a cold beer would be nice Mate, I can maybe help you out.
Let’s go and talk about it, and I take it it’s your shout.’


In the course of conversation we seemed to strike a chord.
Cut to the chase - I’m working for him , not for pay but bed and board;
but that’s enough for the moment, for to him I have to prove
myself - I told him of my past. From temptation I’m removed.
He said ‘OK that’s fair enough let’s take it day by day,
my place it aint no palace but if you work Mate you can stay.
Some company would be real nice – it’s lonely on my track
I lost my family to drink – they left – they won’t be back.

So I’ll give you a chance Mate for I’ve walked in your shoes
and I know the demons that you face – you’ll beat them if you choose.
And that’s why today you see me as I am – some say a stranger.
But my dogs will tell you Mate that I’m just staying out of danger.’
And this bloke threw me a lifeline – and he showed me how to swim
against the tides that the unwary can often get caught up in.
Yes to some he was a stranger, but he never was to me.
He is just a kindred spirit – the sort of bloke I hope to be.

Maureen Clifford © 03/11

[Heather]

Lovely poem Maureen. I reckon you can tell a lot about people by the way they treat animals.

Heather

[Maureen K Clifford]

Yep - it's the only recommendation I accept these days...if Mahalia really takes a dislike to somebody that's enough to make me wary now. She has never been proven wrong - where as I have been to soft and been caught out by them. She is a great judge of character

[Jasper Brush]

G'day, Maureen.

Ripper of a yarn.

The rhythm's good.

Boom boom... boom boom... boom boom, boom boom.

Very enjoyable, mate.

Regards,

John

[Maureen K Clifford]

Thank you John - your comments as always are much appreciated.

Cheers

Maureen