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Outback Jack the Tall Tale Teller.

Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 4:08 pm
by Rimeriter
Jack and I first met when I was Bootin' About The Bush, probably early 2000.

Outback Jack.

A fella named Jack from way in the Outback along the Kidman Way,
he’s been about in the bush with a road makin’ push
but lives in Goolgowi today.
His name is Jack Bourke and he never did shirk
hard yakka when makin’ new roads.
With ‘is loader and roller and weight on ‘is shoulder
‘e still travels those roads ‘til this day,
from Griffith to Bourke he still does not shirk,
but tells tall tales -
as ‘e goes on ‘is way -

Tall Tale Teller.

Jack Bourke ‘e said ‘is name is, as we stood beside a tree.
We both shook ‘ands and said “G’day”,
that fella Jack Bourke, and me.
Later on we got to yarnin’ about ol’ times in the bush
and the days ‘e spent breakn’ ground,
with a Shire road makin’ push.
He told me of Wanaaring on
the banks of the big Paroo.
He spoke about this fragile land
and what we all should do.

He’d built those roads from here to Bourke,
from Griffith to Fords Bridge
but many the tales he told me were ---
far from ridgy didge.
He says -
red soil plains are for growing things,
from the likes of golden crowbars,
to ladies finger rings.
Crowbars grow just overnight
using morning dew, outback,
from planting in the rich red soil
a flat and brass thumb tack.

Ladies rings are easy,
usin’ star washers and some springs
with a touch of moonlight magic,
Presto!
a tray of diamond rings.

Then, the wire netting water bag
got mentioned by and by.
A sly old grin creased his face.
He had a twinkle
in his eye ?

(c).Rimeriter.
Created 30/5/02.

Now, After this, Jack 'n I got to writin' - him always to my home address. Me - to many 'n various as 'e wandered the wallaby. But our yarnin' has now ended.
Jack fell of 'is perch a bit back, but most of 'is wanderin' and our irregular bush meetin's 'ave been recorded in rhyme.

Re: Outback Jack the Tall Tale Teller.

Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 5:50 pm
by Heather
That's a lovely tale Rimeriter. He sounds like he was a great mate. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Heather :)

Re: Outback Jack the Tall Tale Teller.

Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 9:18 am
by william williams
great to read Rimeter brings back memories of the Hungerford rd and Warnaring track

bill the old battler