ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

I forgot, I was supposed to post my Draught horse poem!

“PULLING THE PLOUGH”

© Ross Magnay 26/05/06

“Stand up” I utter gently, as I slip the winkers on
and latch the old brass buckle in its place.
I stroke his greying muzzle pat his wither as I pass,
then grab the chains and hook him to the trace.

His team-mate standing calmly nods his head and stamps his foot,
as if to say “I’m ready for the grind.”
I flap the reins and bark “Git up!” the mouldboard lurches forth,
and soon we have a furrow out behind.

The fresh turned earth attracts the birds, in search of daily fare,
they understand the product of the plough.
We’ll get our acre easy if it keeps on going right,
and the boys keep pulling like they’re pulling now.

The sun is over centre and the acre must be close,
their nosebags will be pretty full tonight.
I stop them in the corner, drop the traces to the ground,
and praise them for their show of strength and might.

Tomorrow it is Sunday so the horses get a spell,
Dad says you just can’t work them every day.
But sons, well they are different and tomorrows’ job for me,
is get to work and try and fix the dray!

I love it Ross! I think I remember you saying your dad had working horses? And I like the twist at the end about the horses earning a day off but the son had to keep working. That's farming for ya', always work work work and even if you stop for a rest, you're still thinking about what work has to be done.

Thanks Kym,
Yes Dad worked horses from a young age, I have posted a poem he wrote about it, see 'Draft horses'..(.that's how he spelled it so I have carried on with that) I am never too sure which way it is meant to be , I have seen it both ways.

That is great Ross - a perfectly painted picture for all to see.

Tractors don't give the same sense of satisfaction but they make the job a lot quicker. It is always great though to see the Clydesdales. and other big horses at the Heavy Horse Days they hold and it always amazes me how many people turn out to these events. I guess perhaps underneath our veneer of modern society we do perhaps all hold a hankering for the old ways.

Farmers and truckies have a lot in common too..Work for 6 days and mend on the 7th so you can go forth and work again. Oh well they do say the Devil finds work for idle hands.

Cheers

Maureen