The Ballad of Jim McKay

[Vic Jefferies]

THE BALLAD OF JIM McKAY
© Vic Jefferies 2000

In the wildest part of the vast red heart
of this land of the endless sky
still today is told, by those who are old,
the ballad of Jim McKay.

Now Jim McKay, and there’s few will deny,
was loathed by the folk in the town
for his chief delight was to drink and fight
and thieve what was not nailed down,

Though the gravest sin committed by him
was the theft of a young girl’s heart,
for the love that he swore was nothing more
than evil lies upon his part.

When her father heard the whispered words
of his dear daughter’s hurt and shame,
he kissed her head and swore, “He is dead
and I shall gladly bear the blame!”

Now, the rascal’s abode sat by a road
where but few ever chose to go,
a galvanised shack, the sort built outback,
with a door made of calico.

As the father rode in, Jim with a grin,
said, “Why here is some fun a last!”
He failed to see the gun on the knee
of the old man galloping fast.

Two shots discharged, two bullets barged
through that dirty calico door,
and ‘Big Jim’ was dead, or so it is said,
e’er his body touched the floor!

Sergeant Tom Brown was in charge of the town
on the night McKay met his end,
and oh how he swore and cursed the law
when he had to arrest his friend.

For few ever knew but the Sergeant too
shyly loved the old man’s daughter
he said, “If I’d known I’d have gone on my own -
‘tis I’d be guilty of slaughter!”

In a very short while there came the trial
of the old man now remorseful,
though he was told with a wink, over a drink,
all would prove to be most lawful,

When the jury returned the judge discerned
their opinion of Jim McKay:
They found without doubt, “Twas a fair shoot-out,
and the mongrel deserved to die!”

The judge said he, “I must disagree
for the evidence clearly shows,
one gun was found at the time of the crime,
so where did the other one go?”

Stout Sergeant Brown representing The Crown
addressed the court and he said,
“Your Honour it’s clear - the termites round here
eat timber, gun-metal and lead!”

“Then this case I close as judged by those
good sturdy twelve men and true,
let the record show the Accused may go,
though there is one thing I must do.”

“Clerk, cease to record - I cannot afford
to have noted what I will say.
It seems to me and you all will agree;
‘twas Jim McKay we tried today.”

The baby was born the very next morn
as the dawn faintly shone in the sky,
and the tale one hears is the town shed its tears -
at the news of another McKay!

Vic Jefferies

[Neville Briggs]

That's fantastic Vic. I've got a whole book of ballads and that one you've done looks to me to be right on with the traditional style , mood and theme.

[Maureen K Clifford]

Totally agree with Neville Vic that is just terrific.

Loved this line

“Your Honour it’s clear - the termites round here
eat timber, gun-metal and lead!”

Shame the sins of the 'father' were vented on the baby though.

Cheers

Maureen

ps We had a neighbour we called Hydraulic Jack because he lifted stuff

[Vic Jefferies]

Thank you Maureen and Neville for taking the time to comment.
Maureen you have the gist of it. They have some pretty tough termites out that way.
I think the sins of the father part just adds a little twist to the end.

Vic Jefferies

[Zondrae]

G'day Vic,

I'd love to hear this one (again ?) you have a way with words, my friend. This is another one for the next CD I hope. Of all your poems, I still think 'Bluey, Jack and Me' is one of the finest.
Wayne had a 'thumbs up' at the Doc's last week and a four month appointment. Hoping everything is looking up around your way too. Gee, I hope to see you both soon. National? Kangaroo Valley? Majors Creek?

[Vic Jefferies]

G'day Zondrae,

Thanks for the encouragement Zondrae. Don't think you would have heard this one as I seldom ever do it. Tell you the truth I have never really been that happy with it and still think it needs a bit more work.
Glad to hear that you and Wayne are well and things are going pretty good up this way, though we still have to take it a bit easier than normal.
We wont be at the national this year or any other festivals as they are usually long days if I am working and Helen would find that difficult. Be at the national next year (if they will have me.)
Helen's at me to do another cd but I have to summon up enough concentration to put something together.
Must be the time of the year because you are the second person this week to mention Bluey, Jack and Me.

Best Regards,

Vic Jefferies