ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

Bit of a cheat 'cause it's a really really old one but I spent a few minutes tidying it up a bit so it qualifies as homework.

That's my story anyway and I'm sticking to it.

McGillicuddy’s Goose
Leonie Parker ©

McGillicuddy’s goose paid us a visit yesterday
like she’s done most days since she first flew the coop.
She swims along the river honking merrily away
or she’s flying in a low and lazy loop.

Old Gilly tries to catch her in his rowboat every day
He is worried that her honking might offend
but we told him “She’ll be right mate, it will be ok.
We’ll forgive her happy honking, she’s a friend.”

Now Easter is upon us and today she’s not around.
There’s no honking, it’s as quiet as can be
and funnily I’m missing that most irritating sound.
It’s a worry for I don’t like what I see.

There are anglers on the river looking for some fish to fry
but there’ll be no fish for them, they won’t be hooked,
and I’ve got a nasty feeling that could the reason why
it’s so quiet. Maybe Gilly’s goose is cooked.

Sharing this lovely poem that has lingered for far too long hidden away here over to the Australian Rhyming Poets page

Mmmm ... very mysterious! A murder mystery worthy of Marple!

Hi Leonie, I saw this when Maureen shared it on the Australian Rhyming Poets page and thought it delightful. Mysterious indeed too, as Shelley says – oh dear, poor Gilly’s goose!