ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

Woke at 4.30 with this going through my head. Is there a cure?

The Bush Poets’ Alphabet

© Stephen Whiteside 20.11.2012

“A” is for “Aussie”, from where we all hail.
“B” is for “bush”, which we all try to nail.
“C” is for “country” and “city” as well.
“D”’s for the “dust” of the hot outback hell.

“E” is for “eggs” (fried). (We like them on toast.)

“F” is for “farmer”. (We’ve got more than most.)

“G” is for “gates” it’s important to shut.
“H” is for “homestead”, and also for “hut”.

“I” is for “ink” which we sometimes still need.
“J”s jackaroo (they’re a fast dying breed).
“K”’s “kangaroo” which perhaps we should eat.
“L” is for lamb - a more popular meat.

“M” is for “Manfred”, ‘cause he is our boss.
“N” is for “North” (Greg) - a sad recent loss.
“O” is for “Orange”, where Banjo was born.
“P” is for “Poetry”, bright or forlorn.

“Q” is for “Queen” (we are monarchists all).
“R”’s for the “rain” of a tropical squall.
“S” is for “sheep”. (We once rode on its back.)
“T” is for “tea” - there is never a lack.

“U” is for “under” (before it comes “down”);
“V” is for “Vegemite”. (Black or dark brown?)
“W”’s for “water”. (It comes with the rain.)
“X” is for “xenophobe”….”Please explain?”

“Y”’s “Yarralumla” - it’s for our GG.
“Z” is for “zinc”. (It stops sunburn, you see.)
“Z”’s also for “zebra”. (You won’t find them here.)
And now I am finished, so give a big cheer!

Good onya Stephen, good fun read. Two quieries though: why does Vegemite get a capital but not (the) Queen? And is Greg North dead? My favourite line is Xenophobe "please explain??"

Marty

You're right about 'queen'. I'll fix that.

Yes, I was a bit worried about that line about Greg North. He resigned as ABPA Secretary at the start of the year. (Know your committee!)

Thanks. I'm glad you liked it.

G'day Stephen,

Love the poem and - No- there is no cure. It does help a bit if you don't try to resist and just give in, get up and write it down. Then there is a chance you might be able to sleep. I haven't had the 'call' for some time. I have said... I am so busy 'writing' that I don't have time to write. I did have a little burst early last month when I wrote a poem a day for about 5 in a row. Don't fight the urge and keep on posting the light hearted ones we love them.

Is there a cure? Do you really want one?

We have Zebra's here at Dubbo and in Taronga Park Zoo Just nit picking a technicality.

This was good fun Stephen - you are a clever little possum

Cheers

Maureen

That's a good start Stephen, I was wondering if you could manage the same thing but with some of your zany mind bender definitions. Those here are a bit tame I thought.

Thanks Zondrae, Maureen.

Yeah, fair call, Neville. The next one will be "A is for Austrich" (our own flightless bird).

Big cheer Stephen! Why on earth would you want to be cured?

Heather

Great Stephen!! Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Now complete Martyboys!!!

Catchya
Irene

Wow! Hectic day yesterday trying to organise boat and trailer repairs.

Thanks all for positive feedback. I will post Mark II separately.