ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

The Bloke from Coober Pedy

It was the bloke from Coober Pedy who had hit the old dance floor,
and soon was dancing up a storm and hanging out for more.
He’d dressed in RM Williams clobber, and he wore it there with pride
while checking out the talent - he was looking for a bride.

A robust country girl who’d gladly swing the banjo or a pick,
and fit into the mining life – so, not a city chic.
She’d need to be a looker, he’d want nothing but the flam’en best,
to show off to his mates and pass the Coober Pedy test.

But life is unpredictable, and love can be so sweet yet blind,
and once old cupid strikes, you’re cooked, as Bill was soon to find.
When changing partners in the dance, an angel waltzed into his arms,
then smiled into his eyes, and Bill was skittled by her charms.

No robust husky country girl, instead a dainty lass no less,
and Bill was left near speechless there, while trying to impress.
Another smile, then gently squeezed his hand before she waltzed away
and leaving Bill a shaking mess as often was his way.

He somehow plucked up hidden courage, and then asked her for a dance
the rest of course is history, the starting of romance.
*********
© T.E. Piggott

G'day Terry,
I guess when that courage came from cupid, it didn't really matter at all if she could swing the banjo or the Pick!
Cheers
Ron.

Good one, Terry!

I remember Coober Pedy well - though it is 40 years since we were there.

But we will remedy that in the near future, as we are shortly heading down that way as part of a three day flying tour over Lake Eyre in flood. It promises to be amazing. Perhaps a poem will materialize!

Cheers
Shelley

Hi Shelley

I'm sure the sights that you will see, will spark the urge to write a poem or two.
Even on the driest years that country reaches out and grabs you - well me anyway.
And you will be seeing that country after rain bringing water from the north,
plus, heavy rains inland coming from the northwest this year as well.

Where do the flights originate Shelley - Coober Pedy for instance - or the Alice?

Terry

Hi Terry

There are a number of options and different sizes of groups and planes across several tour companies.

Our booking is with Lake Eyre Tours based in Adelaide. They are subcontracting Arid Air from Marree to do the flying. The plane is a small one, six seater.

Watch this space!

Cheers
Shelley

Hi Shelley

If I lived a bit closer,
I'd say book a seat for me as well.

Cheers enjoy as I'm sure you will.

Terry

Hi Terry good one mate, How many romances began on a dance floor somewhere once upon a time. Not sure how they start these days.
Wazza

Including mine Wazza,

Thanks mate

Terry

Thanks Ron

I somehow missed this earlier.

A few of the boys used to have a beer or two outside to help with the Dutch courage.
It's amazing how hard it was to ask a strange girl for a dance, particularly if you were a bit splay footed.

Cheers Mate

Terry

Really enjoyed this one, Terry. Those were the days, when men danced and really enjoyed it and we all changed partners and met everyone in the room. Loved all that - miss it now!