ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

I found this today, pretty sure I have posted it before but what the hell....it's Christmas hey Neville?





“AN AUSSIE WORKING DOG.”

© Ross Magnay, 2.4.05

A country built from nothing, only sweat and soil and stock,
By horse and man with bar and chain and rope and pulley block.
Things are now so different as machines relieve the strain,
But I believe that working dogs always will remain.

Nearly all of them are faithful, but some are not so smart,
Still most will find a soft spot in some old stockman’s heart.
They are not just a worker they’re a friend, companion too,
There’s little you can ask a dog that he won’t try and do.

Maybe heeling station cattle or loudly yarding sheep,
It is great to see an Aussie dog working for his keep.
A shaggy looking mongrel or a classy thing with breed,
The proper good old working dog will labour for his feed.

Abuse that dogs will stand for will stop any man I’m sure,
A good old Aussie working dog keeps coming back for more.
The man that would replace him would be hard to find indeed,
For few today are happy, just to work and earn a feed.

A battered old Toyota, or a station motor bike,
Around the holding paddock, or a several mile hike,
Whether sprinting ‘round the outside, or follow at a jog,
It’s great to see the beauty, of an Aussie working dog.

Goodonya Ross, there's no reason why you can't revisit poems, good idea.

I don't know why Christmas would be a reason.
I think the poor old fleabags down in SA are panting under the house at the moment.

New to me Ross and I really enjoyed it. Thanks!
Wazza

Nice one Ross. Reminds me of one I wrote some years ago on the same topic - you have to hand it to those dogs!

New to me as well, Ross.

I really enjoyed this poem, and yes, the working dog is an amazing animal.

Sorry Ross I didn't see it earlier but it shore some up a good working dog and a good mate and I have had a few over the years

thanks from Bill the old battler

A old swaggie talking about his mate

Well, he’s sorta of a kinda bitsa I suppose that’s what you’d call im
He’s ear’s all torn from fightin an his hair it’s mottled, an sorta grey
He’s hearin it’s sorta goin an his eyesights kinda dim an his teeth
Well, what’s left, cause ain’t many left in him, but he’s me mate
An old friend, an me companion, and he’s curled up there beside me
He’s walked and been beside me no matter where I go
Old Mungrel me dawg an mate and only he still stand’s beside me,
bill williams

...just thought it might cheer you up a bit Neville....

Glad you enjoyed it Wazza, like most of my stuff, it wouldn't be technically correct (or good enough probably) to enter in competitions, but I think it gets the idea across...

Yeah Catherine, bit like the old yarn about whether a dog loves you more than your wife does, lock 'em both in the boot of the car for an hour and see who gives you the best reception when you let them out!...

Thanks Allan, bit like the old saying, 'the more I have to do with people, the more I like dogs.'

G'day Bill, I am guessing you would have had a few in your time, no doubt good and some not so good hey...

Yes Yes Yes - I love it - of course I love it sharing it as well. Beautiful piece Ross and well said.

Great poem Ross!