Done Droving

Done Droving The sliprails are down the horses are gone ,………(sliprails slide in rail gate in rail yard) goose neck spurs all covered in rust. My Quartpot is bent i`ve left the Ballonne…(Quartpot holds a quart of water boil make tea, pint cup ) to go to the city i must . I`m as dry as old lake Eliza for a beer i`m dying of thirst Given half a brain i`d be a bit wiser but then my poor skull it might burst. My saddle needs greasing the flaps are so dry I`ll melt down some sheep kidney fat…. I`ll rub it in while you ask me why ……..(saddles dry out and need greasing) if i can keep out the dogs and the cat My hobbles they hang there all covered in rust……(hobbles 2 heavy 2 layer leather straps with chain) they've been on some horses out west. ( between straps on front fetlocks) Yes slowed some horses with wander lust to feed round the camp with the best. Star pickets are there and the awful barbed wire (steel posts to hang wire on) just one wire kept the cattle on camp. A campoven black from the old cooking fire……………(cast iron cooking pot with lid) and the spluttering old carbide lamp……………………(dangerous light if water runs out) No more to roll me swag out on the ground to wake damp from the frost or the dew. Out where the Roo’s in thousands bound or to drink from me Quartpot a brew . Yes now old mate i`m down in the city down here the horse`s are toys. The thin bony ones sure do get my pity please feed that old horse girls and boys. by D H Johnson