Company

I left in desperation 
when hunger drove me out,
Left behind a home and family 
when I went walkabout.
I left all the cities,
moved through the country towns
Travelled ‘cross the Nullarbor, 
up the Darling Downs,
I’ve been bleached by sun, 
crossed land flat or hilly,
I’m never far away from, 
the burnt and blackened billy.                  
Beside a lonely campfire 
I watched the stars so bright,
Between despair and hope, 
rolled out for the night.
I have seen a hundred miles,
from words of a callous mouth,     
Travelled all the way up north, 
when work was all down south.
From shearing shed to shearing shed; 
and as each shed cut out,
I left with my master 
into the unknown doubt,
I have rotted in the outback sun, 
when times have got too tough,
The body stays and soul drifts on, 
when my master cried ‘enough.’
One more shed, one more try, 
to reach that mirage down the track …
I’ve been the company of many; 
I am the swag upon their back.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Hunjeri Avatar
March 18, 2016 at 3:18 PM
Great write! I enjoyed this and even learnt something new :-)
Laurie Avatar
March 18, 2016 at 7:17 PM
Hello njeri ... thank you njeri. I'll catch you soon - Lindsay
Dietrich Avatar
March 4, 2016 at 8:15 PM
hey, I finally saw your note to me on what swag means. So different from the new urban slang. Thanks for the note. I don't know if there is a poem of yours I have not read. gotta finish up my comments soon . Will check fast. If you see no more comments, it means I did not find a new one to read.
Allison Avatar
February 29, 2016 at 5:13 PM
Fab personification Lindsay really enjoyed your write:-) hugs Jan xx
Laurie Avatar
March 4, 2016 at 3:39 PM
Thank you Jan for your positive comment - Lindsay
Marcum Wong Avatar
February 27, 2016 at 3:58 PM
Lindsay, you have the unique ability to express such realism into your words as to affect all the senses of the reader. I feel as if I journeyed with you in this profound and beautiful write. Excellent work my friend!
Laurie Avatar
March 4, 2016 at 3:33 PM
Wow; thanks Connie. I certainly appreciate your comment - Lindsay
Dietrich Avatar
February 25, 2016 at 8:53 PM
You are SO good at this, Lindsay. I agree with Emile down here, but gosh, I looked up swag to make sure I got this one. But I can't figure it out. What is its meaning?
Laurie Avatar
March 4, 2016 at 3:31 PM
Hello Andrea ... during the great depression of the thirties, men took to the road looking for work and carried all they owned on their back which was their swag and they became known as swaggies (drifters). These days a swag is a sleeping bag when camping - Lindsay
Pinet Avatar
February 25, 2016 at 10:24 AM
Like a moth to a flame you seduce us with the beauty of the "Australian vernacular" through your descriptive words, and we fall prey to their magic spell and visualize the experience in our minds. Great personification, well written. Emile. #7
Laurie Avatar
March 4, 2016 at 3:26 PM
Great comment Emile - thank you - Lindsay
Smith Avatar
February 24, 2016 at 7:49 PM
Very great story my friend. You are one of the best at this style...cheers
Laurie Avatar
March 4, 2016 at 3:24 PM
I dunno about being one of the best Tim, but I am pleased that you enjoyed the poem - Lindsay
Tudor Avatar
February 24, 2016 at 7:14 PM
I love the "vernacular" of the Australian vocabulary...very nice and enjoyable read. J.
Laurie Avatar
March 4, 2016 at 3:22 PM
Hello J. ... I'm pleased that you enjoyed this poem and thanks for commenting - Lindsay
Godwin Avatar
February 24, 2016 at 5:12 PM
Excellent job! A delightful, engaging read ... CayCay
Laurie Avatar
March 4, 2016 at 3:19 PM
G'day CayCay ... thank you for your encouraging comment - Lindsay
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