Bourke  ‘n  Back.

We’ve just been out to Bourke ‘n back, by train ‘n then by road

to visit with a great ol’ bloke, who once shouldered a heavy load,

makin’ roads ‘n fixin’ them, all around the ol’ Bourke Shire

but now ‘e rests, as is their due, when Tall Tale Tellers retire.

Now Outback Jack, he guided us - ‘round town, then here ‘n everywhere

to see the wondorous sights arranged under skies both blue and fair.

One was the first Grand Opening of the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition place

also in the Grand Parade, the Mayor travelled at a very slow pace,

 well at least the old wool wagon did, it’s been about for 100 years

hauled by a team of draught horses. That was a sight to ring a few tears.

Steve ‘n Jan, along with Bob Gleeson - brought the team from Lake Cargelligo

I guess they enjoyed all the scenery whilst travellin’ far ‘n slow.

We also visited Kidmans Camp, then saw the Paddleboat,

as far as we know, the PV Jandra, is the only one still afloat

this far up the Darlin’ River where the North Bourke Bridge is grand.

It is stark white and in dead of night ‘speaks’ of  early times inland.

Where the Maritime Walk sits silently, honouring many of  that earlier time

who deserve a passing mention wrapped in this metrical rhyme.

Geoff Wise was on the riverbank, I shook hands ‘n said G’day,

I think we met once before, it was outside the town called Hay.

But now I’ve checked me records, they prove my mind does lack,

I’d only heard ‘is name mentioned whilst visitin’ ShearOutback.

We ‘ave exchanged some letters since then, when ‘e was in Dubbo

performin’ is government duties which kept ‘im on the go.

We met so many people in and around ol’ Bourke town

that to recall each ‘n everyone is causing my brow to frown.

There was Vanessa at the Back O’ Bourke, Theresa at Outback Living,

the lovely girls at Wildlife Service who are very fond of giving

good advice about places nice - one is where Eagles fly

and Kites soar serenely, on updraft winds, against an azure sky.

Of course there was Glenn ‘n Possum, also Jim  ‘n  Annie Rice

they all made us welcome ‘n provided some place nice

to lay down a weary head,

while the people at Bogas Roadhouse

was where we broke some bread.

The beds were soft and comfy,

our dining plates were full,

to leave for other places would need some of

Slogger’s bull.

We used up a week quite quickly

and there’s only one regret.

It has to do with waterbags,

those made from wirenet’.

Outback Jack

the

Tall Tale Teller

has seen ‘em I am told.

Should anyone in Bourke Town have one

it’s worth it’s weight in

GOLD.

 (c). Rimeriter..  12/09.