53 - Be Bloody Careful
Think it through, work it out,
and hold on bloody tight,
if you fall, it’s curtains,
make sure you do it right.
Every day an adventure,
so much to do and see,
safety, second nature,
to succeed, no guarantee.
Growing up in the bush
a simple life and free,
No occ-health and safety,
was left to you and me.
Just be bloody careful,
we heard it every day,
survival of the fittest
with work, rest and play.
Windmill towers, 40 foot,
we’d make it with a smile,
up in no time, had no fear,
climbing monkey style.
In a bucket, down a well,
30 foot of rope,
pick and shovel, dig and clean,
live and work in hope.
Friday arvo, out of school,
traps to run and set,
rabbit holes, many miles,
fleas and dust and sweat.
Quickest got the best holes,
the youngest came in last,
set, secure and cover,
you had to do it fast.
One day saw a mishap,
trap was set and ready,
Robo didn’t see the signs,
his arrival slow and steady.
Hole looked like a winner,
slid in to set and go,
got caught on the belly,
had to walk home slow.
Branding in the round yard,
all of 10 year old,
calves to ride, wait your turn,
hang and buck and hold.
Always keen as mustard,
taught to run the brand,
heavy, hot and awkward,
severely burned my hand.
Grandad made a Flipper,
taught us all to drive,
balance, so important,
commit, endure, survive.
Took in turns at driving,
only had two seats,
drove and rode for miles,
two wheel track for streets.
Open frame, no cover,
rope start, petrol engine,
manual gearshift, clutch and break,
leaf springs for suspension.
Spark plug gave us trouble,
blew back over our head,
retrieve, replace, move onward,
laugh and joke, not dead.
Think it through, work it out,
and hold on bloody tight,
if you fall, it’s curtains,
make sure you do it right.
Every day an adventure,
so much to do and see,
safety, second nature,
to succeed, no guarantee.
Glen Hughes ©
23/5/22
Be Bloody Careful
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