ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

The following poem finished equal first in the Eucalyptus themed written section of the Victorian Open Bush Poetry Championships. If it looks a bit like song lyrics, that is because I thought that if I could get a tune for it, I would give it a go in the Eucalyptus Song section at the same championships. In the end, I did not get a tune that I thought would work well enough with it, so it was only entered in the written.

A SCENT OF EUCALYPTUS
© John Peel 7/9/2010

Tonight, I walk along this city street
with images of trouble in my mind.
I walk alone on tired and weary feet –
I long to see the world I left behind.

There’s a scent of eucalyptus on the air
that makes me think of where I want to be.
That scent of eucalyptus takes me there
and once again, I feel like I am free.

In my mind I see the homestead on the farm –
and once again I see my mum and dad.
That old place seems so far away from harm –
in this city I can only see the bad.

There’s a scent of eucalyptus on the air
that makes me think of where I want to be.
That scent of eucalyptus takes me there
and once again, I feel like I am free.

Work is the only thing that keeps me here –
the need to earn an honest weekly pay.
I gave up on the farm for my career
and now I wish I hadn’t moved away.

There’s a scent of eucalyptus on the air
that makes me think of where I want to be.
That scent of eucalyptus takes me there
and once again, I feel like I am free.

If gum trees stood where all the buildings stand,
if roadways were replaced by flowing streams –
I’d somehow feel connected to this land,
the same as with the farm that’s in my dreams.

There’s a scent of eucalyptus on the air
that makes me think of where I want to be.
That scent of eucalyptus takes me there
and once again, I feel like I am free.

Perhaps some day I’ll find myself back there
and leave this city somewhere in the past.
Where the eucalyptus scent on mountain air
will linger longer than I’ll ever last.

There’s a scent of eucalyptus on the air
that makes me think of where I want to be.
That scent of eucalyptus takes me there
and once again, I feel like I am free.

Congratulations on your win John. There is nothing like a scent to take you back to a place or a memory. All good things come to those who wait John.

Heather

I have said well done before. Great to see all our fellow members doing so well.

John may I suggest you go to the introduction section and give yourself a good wrap. This is a great opportunity for us all to have accurate information about ourselves on the site. I'm going to think about mine and up date it.

Ah yes, love the scent of eucalyptus. Congratulations on your win.

Well done Peely. I reckon you should keep on with the search for a tune, could be a good project.

Thank you Heather, Zondrae, Leonie, Bill and Neville

Heather - the above poem is one that is slightly autobiographical, so it is written from experience
Zondrae - I will get a bit of an intro written up and will post it.
Bill - congratulations on your success in the novice written at the Victorian championships.
Neville - I have had a bit more of a think about a tune and believe that what I have in mind is a bit closer to what is required.

Regards


John Peel

Congratulations to you both - Peely and Bill!! Great to see so many awards among the forum members.
We have just finished our competition at Cervantes, and most of the awards were for forum members - will post them soon

Catchya
Irene

Thanks Irene

Regards


John Peel

Love it Peely - and even if you open a bottle of eucalyptus oil the smell transports you right back to the country. Congratulations mate well deserved.

Bill good on you - do as Zondrae suggested and post this out on its own.

(Heather that was secret 3 Bills win - 1 to go)

Cheers

Maureen

Thanks Maureen

Regards


John Peel