ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

Does not get better then that Marty. Kids are the best critics and as we all know they speak the truth even if it hurts.


Good stuff mate i know how elated I felt when they used a couple of my poems were used in the eisteddfod and one got a second place.


Congrats mate Bob

That's terrific Marty, that's what poems are for I think, to pass on our stories in a memorable form. I hope you get some more chances to do that.

Two of the poets (Jacqui and her husband performed a poem at Bundaberg. (I'm sorry but names escape me at present.) The poem is a courtroom scene written by Glenny and I think it won the Bush Lantern a couple of years ago. Jacqui says she has performed it for kids and given them the parts of the magistrate, clerk of the court, the prosecutor etc and the kids love it. I might give it a go in Kilmore because the historical society is housed in the old courtroom which still has all the old court furniture. It would be great if the kids could dress up for the parts too. I can see it being a lot of fun.

Heather

I think it was the scenaro if the swaggie from Waltzing Matilda had been taken to court.


A real good one for the kids to do.


Bob

Yes, it was Bob. The poem was on the old forum but I can't recall the name of it.

Heather

I think it was called Waltz In The Courtroom.


Will have to ask Glenny when she comes back.


Roberto

Heather and Bob

I believe 'Waltz In The Courtroom' won the Bronze Swagman.

Thanks Zondrae, I knew it had won something.

Heather

It was well presented by Jacqui and her reluctant other half Jack who has the voice most suited to a judge.


I swapped Jacqui a book as she wanted some funny ones to present.


Still to get to read her book but all in good time. A wonderful lady and most appreciative of any help she can get. Might still end up down their way later in the year and have promised to catch up.


Bob

It's a genuine delight to discover, albeit via the forum, that this particular poem of mine is being performed by the kids. (Ta Zondrae, it was The Bronze Swagman that it won.) I found out, also on the grapevine, some good time ago, that my Blackened Billy winner 'Shades of Grey' was being performed by schools. That, as you all know, is one of my driving passions...to get kids into poetry. However, it is a rather bitter sweet experience to have to find out for yourself what folks are doing with your intellectual property. Why....do only so few people pay the basic courtesy of asking the author first, thereby conveying respect...and...allowing the author to be happily involved??
This is not a vain dummy spit from me. It concerns me greatly that our genre does not receive the respect it deserves. I think Neil Mac was recently trying to voice similar concerns. Perhaps our organisation needs to press this more & make it a requirement rather than a free for all.....just as we demand that our children say 'please' & 'thank you'. Basic.