ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

Authors note:
In1969 I was introduced to Joe in Katherine NT.
Joe gave me a job with his bull catching crew, who
were using short wheel base Toyota 4x4’s,
catching scrub bulls on Elsey station

Run Bull Run
(By Alan McCosker 1983 revised 2019)

Run bull run or you’ll get done
engine screamin’ oh what fun
through the anthills ‘cross the creek
right on his tail in our old green jeep

Big Joe drives like he’s possessed
old tojo roarin’ she’s the best
hold on tight lads here we go
we’ll lose him if we go too slow
gun that engine turn that wheel
then we’ll drop right on his heel
down a cog Joe up the slope
watch that bloodwood, holy smoke

Steady boys he’s nearly done
swing her wide Joe here he comes
knock him down mate knock him flat
out you go lad here’s a strap
tie him to a tree boys quick
there’s more about so let’s be slick

if they cross that bloody creek
we dare not follow it’s too deep

Now we’re off like a scalded cat
cor! strike me blue the front tyres flat
that’s it boys we’ve done our dash
if we keep goin’ we’ll just crash

I guess we’ll stop and have a brew
we’ve done alright, we’ve got a few
tomorrow mornin’ we’ll come back
tonight they’ll come back to this flat

Sittin’ ‘round the camp fire bright
I watch the stars most every night
my thoughts roll back across the years
back to those early pioneers

would Clancy leave his favourite hack
and come with us to work contract
and climb up in our iron horse
to chase the scrubbers of the north

Run bull run or you’ll get done
engine screamin’ oh what fun
through the anthills ‘cross the creek
right on his tail in our old green jeep

Your time spent out west is being put to good use with your poetry - I am loving these stories. Good ink mate

Good use of short lines to make a fast-moving story, Alan.

Thanks Maureen,Thanks Shelley,
I've been carrying this one around for a few years never thinking of putting it out there.
I'm glad you like it and appreciate your comments.
As I was told when I signed up to ABPA, I am having fun with it and there's a couple more
in the works.
Cheers
Alan