Australian Son

[Vic Jefferies]

For Australia Day:

AUSTRALIAN SON
(Vic Jefferies)
I’ve kicked around this country; been most everywhere,
from the Gulf of Carpentaria to the “Apple Isle” down there.
I’ve roamed across the Nullarbor, parched in the desert’s heat,
sweltered in the jungles and dined in Collins Street.

I’ve climbed old Uluru and almost touched the sky;
camped on the Murrumbidgee and shore at Gundagai.
I put a tally on the board to rival Jacky Howe;
did my share of soldiering and toiled behind a plough.

I roamed the Arafura Sea, won my share of pearls;
laboured at the Isa and chased the Queensland girls.
I’ve sailed on Sydney Harbour, had a beer at Woolloomooloo,
and battled for me tucker out west of the dry Paroo.

I cut the cane at Innisfail, beneath the Queensland sun,
wheeled the cattle when they rushed on a distant outback run,
I’ve seen the Ancient Owners sing and dance by firelight
and listened to their stories in the quiet of a “Top End” night.

My star sign is the Southern Cross, it holds my destiny,
I am Australian born and bred and very proud to be.
Henry Lawson wrote my bible, “The Banjo” penned my creed:
“A fair go for everyone and stick to a mate in need.”

So when I see that old flag proudly flying from the mast,
I ponder on our future and I glory in our past;
I think of the men and women who built this great country
and all those who gave their lives so you and I could live free.

From your snowy mountains to your sparkling tropic seas,
to a campfire by a billabong up in The Kimberleys,
I am your son, Australia, and I will always be,
proud to be an Aussie and I hope you’re proud of me.

Vic Jefferies (2010)

[Maureen K Clifford]

A beaut poem Vic - well said.

[Vic Jefferies]

Thank you Maureen.

[alongtimegone]

Yes Vic a beauty from first stanza to last. It's a great country and your poem does it proud.
Wazza

[Catherine Lee]

Wow - straight to the heart Vic! Well done with this wonderfully patriotic poem!

[Vic Jefferies]

Thank you all for your kind comments, it is an old one but I like to bring it out on Australia Day.