ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

G’day, I’ve been down a bit health-wise for a few months. I started this poem some time ago and I’ve come to a dead end; I’ve got no idea where this poem is heading. So I thought I'd post it here for my friends to help me out. I dedicate this poem to ABPA. You can change anything I’ve written. I do not consider this piece mine anymore. A few birds I had in mind been a, stool pigeon, butcher bird, parson bird, lyre bird, and raven. Maybe someone has a few ideas; my intention was to tell a story not just rattle off the bird scenery,
So if anyone can help me out I’d be grateful.

John

The Plastered Cockatoo
I shifted down to second when pub came into view
And stopped on the roadside I thought I’d sink a few
The building painted dark brown the roof a shade of blue
The name across the gable: `The Plastered Cockatoo.’

In stifling heat, my dry mouth intensified my thirst
So crashing through double doors into the bar I burst
I stopped dead in my tracks a strange sight I did see
All types of birds, in the bar, the size and height of me.

A dove came, into view, a-pushing out her chest
Said, ‘want a thrill big boy’ come join me in my nest’
I said, ‘I’m sorry my love I’m in here for a beer,
And I really don’t appreciate you cooing in my ear.’

I weaved amongst the throng - of feathered friends alike
when found my toes were crushed, by a Bustard on a bike
"OW! You bloody Bustard! I'm tryna find the bar!"
"Well sorry, mate . . I'll give you a dink, it's really not too far"

G'day Marty,

Haven't seen you in ages.

A terrific fourth verse. I like what you have written, Shows imagination.

Ha, Ha.

Forth Verse. Great work mate. I LIKE IT VERY MUCH. I suppose you would be looking for a bit of tucker.


I weaved amongst the throng - of feathered friends alike
when found my toes were crushed, by a Bustard on a bike
"OW! You bloody Bustard! I'm tryna find the bar!"
"Well sorry, mate . . I'll give you a dink, it's really not too far"


John

Now on to the fifth.

Now don't forget if you think my opening verses are a bit rough, change the words,

We are going to make this poem a classic.

That will become a poem taught in all schools throughout Australia,


John

Great start John - will make a wonderful poem when it is finished!!!
Can I be rude and make a couple of changes - just so it will have a regular metre? There were a couple of spots I had trouble getting around. If you don't like my suggestions, change it back - I won't be offended!! And hope I haven't offended you by making the changes in the first place.


The Plastered Cockatoo
I shifted down to second when a pub came into view
then stopped beside the road and thought I’d like to sink a few.
Dark brown the pub was painted, and the roof a shade of blue,
the name across the gable was `The Plastered Cockatoo.’

In stifling heat, my dried out mouth intensified my thirst
So crashing through the double doors, into the bar I burst.
I stopped dead in my startled tracks; a strange sight I did see -
All types of birds adorned the bar, the size and height of me.

A preening dove came into view, a-pushing out her chest
Said ‘Want a thrill, oh lover boy? Come join me in my nest.’
I said, ‘I’m very sorry love, I’m in here for a beer,
And really don’t appreciate you cooing in my ear.’

I weaved amongst the gathered throng - of feathered friends alike
when found my toes were broken, by a Bustard on a bike.
"YEOW! You bloody Bustard! I am tryna find the bar!"
"Well sorry, mate. Ya wanna dink? It's really not too far"

I hopped upon his battered bike - we dodged and ducked and weaved;
a crazy ride - I wondered if I'd ever be believed.
We scattered feathers right and left, birds flew above in fright,
then plowed into a drunken swan, who rose up - full of fight!!

Sorry to hear you have been crook John - hope you are on the mend now - a bit of fun here is just what you need to spark you up again
and seems you have got the poetic juices flowing already for some - must have been the busty bird that did it


The Plastered Cockatoo


I shifted down to second when a pub came into view
then stopped beside the road and thought I’d like to sink a few.
Dark brown the pub was painted, and the roof a shade of blue,
the name across the gable was `The Plastered Cockatoo.’

In stifling heat, my dried out mouth intensified my thirst
So crashing through the double doors, into the bar I burst.
I stopped dead in my startled tracks; a strange sight I did see -
All types of birds adorned the bar, the size and height of me.

A preening dove came into view, a-pushing out her chest
Said ‘Want a thrill, oh lover boy? Come join me in my nest.’
I said, ‘I’m very sorry love, I’m in here for a beer,
And really don’t appreciate you cooing in my ear.’
JB

I weaved amongst the gathered throng - of feathered friends alike
when found my toes were broken, by a Bustard on a bike.
"YEOW! You bloody Bustard! I am tryna find the bar!"
"Well sorry, mate. Ya wanna dink? It's really not too far"
W

I hopped upon his battered bike - we dodged and ducked and weaved;
a crazy ride - I wondered if I'd ever be believed.
We scattered feathers right and left, birds flew above in fright,
then plowed into a drunken swan, who rose up - full of fight!!
IC


That drunken swan it seemed had been there all the day imbibing
on Swan lager, though that’s unconfirmed and on that I’m surmising.
He thought he fancied fisticuffs but then let out a howl
when a left hook got him ‘neath the beak, thrown by a Powerful Owl
MKC

This is my first attempt at collaborations, feel free to change.



Well, the owl, unruffled, glass in hand, then to the swan did hoot,
''you better turn your bowlegs round, get out of here, go, scoot''
the swan just kept on raven,as he clutched his throbbing jaw,
when from behind, an eagle, swiftly grabbed him with his claw.

Sue

The Plastered Cockatoo


I shifted down to second when a pub came into view
then stopped beside the road and thought I’d like to sink a few.
Dark brown the pub was painted, and the roof a shade of blue,
the name across the gable was `The Plastered Cockatoo.’

In stifling heat, my dried out mouth intensified my thirst
So crashing through the double doors, into the bar I burst.
I stopped dead in my startled tracks; a strange sight I did see -
All types of birds adorned the bar, the size and height of me.

A preening dove came into view, a-pushing out her chest
Said ‘Want a thrill, oh lover boy? Come join me in my nest.’
I said, ‘I’m very sorry love, I’m in here for a beer,
And really don’t appreciate you cooing in my ear.’
JB

I weaved amongst the gathered throng - of feathered friends alike
when found my toes were broken, by a Bustard on a bike.
"YEOW! You bloody Bustard! I am tryna find the bar!"
"Well sorry, mate. Ya wanna dink? It's really not too far"
W

I hopped upon his battered bike - we dodged and ducked and weaved;
a crazy ride - I wondered if I'd ever be believed.
We scattered feathers right and left, birds flew above in fright,
then plowed into a drunken swan, who rose up - full of fight!!
IC


That drunken swan it seemed had been there all the day imbibing
on Swan lager, though that’s unconfirmed and on that I’m surmising.
He thought he fancied fisticuffs but then let out a howl
when a left hook got him ‘neath the beak, thrown by a Powerful Owl
MKC


Well, the owl, unruffled, glass in hand, then to the swan did hoot,
''you better turn your bowlegs round, get out of here, go, scoot''
the swan just kept on raven,as he clutched his throbbing jaw,
when from behind, an eagle, swiftly grabbed him with his claw
Sue

Now I'm talon you no lie the eagle had a vice like grip .
No matter how he struggled the eagle's hold he couldnt slip,
he flapped his wings and carried off the swan towards the park
which prompted the old crow behind the bar to utter .. .that phrase that got Graham Kennedy in so much trouble

MB
'Aaark Aaark' he cried and 'AAARK' again - and hopped and did a jig
as he watched the swan and eagle disappear into a fig,
where he knew a stroppy kookaburra would have the final word
which he did – he saw that Eagle off – and loud laughter was heard.

MKC

The crow, he cawed out ''kookaburra, wheres that jackass now,
he's left behind a great big bill, it must be settled, now''
A peacock standing at the bar said, ''settle down old man,
emu will come and sort this out, with his friend Pel, e can''

The Plastered Cockatoo


I shifted down to second when a pub came into view
then stopped beside the road and thought I’d like to sink a few.
Dark brown the pub was painted, and the roof a shade of blue,
the name across the gable was `The Plastered Cockatoo.’

In stifling heat, my dried out mouth intensified my thirst
So crashing through the double doors, into the bar I burst.
I stopped dead in my startled tracks; a strange sight I did see -
All types of birds adorned the bar, the size and height of me.

A preening dove came into view, a-pushing out her chest
Said ‘Want a thrill, oh lover boy? Come join me in my nest.’
I said, ‘I’m very sorry love, I’m in here for a beer,
And really don’t appreciate you cooing in my ear.’
JB

I weaved amongst the gathered throng - of feathered friends alike
when found my toes were broken, by a Bustard on a bike.
"YEOW! You bloody Bustard! I am tryna find the bar!"
"Well sorry, mate. Ya wanna dink? It's really not too far"
W

I hopped upon his battered bike - we dodged and ducked and weaved;
a crazy ride - I wondered if I'd ever be believed.
We scattered feathers right and left, birds flew above in fright,
then plowed into a drunken swan, who rose up - full of fight!!
IC


That drunken swan it seemed had been there all the day imbibing
on Swan lager, though that’s unconfirmed and on that I’m surmising.
He thought he fancied fisticuffs but then let out a howl
when a left hook got him ‘neath the beak, thrown by a Powerful Owl
MKC


Well, the owl, unruffled, glass in hand, then to the swan did hoot,
''you better turn your bowlegs round, get out of here, go, scoot''
the swan just kept on raven,as he clutched his throbbing jaw,
when from behind, an eagle, swiftly grabbed him with his claw
Sue

Now I'm talon you no lie the eagle had a vice like grip .
No matter how he struggled the eagle's hold he couldnt slip,
he flapped his wings and carried off the swan towards the park
which prompted the old crow behind the bar to utter .. .that phrase that got Graham Kennedy in so much trouble
MB

'Aaark Aaark' he cried and 'AAARK' again - and hopped and did a jig
as he watched the swan and eagle disappear into a fig,
where he knew a stroppy kookaburra would have the final word
which he did – he saw that Eagle off – and loud laughter was heard.
MKC

The crow, he cawed out ''kookaburra, wheres that jackass now,
he's left behind a great big bill, it must be settled, now''
A peacock standing at the bar said, ''settle down old man,
emu will come and sort this out, with his friend Pel, e can''
S

I had to wet me whistle, I needed ice-cold beer
distracted though by such a sight that looked a little queer
a seagull, shag n' a pelican, a sight you've never seen
be carefull how you say it now - that's three birds (keep it clean )
w