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LindsayP
Member Elite

since 2007-07-28

Posts 3410
Australia, Victoria

0 posted 2009-06-07 09:18 PM

MEMORIES OF A DROVER

I dream again of the saltbush plain
of a faithfull dog named rover,
The camp fire at night ‘neath the bright starlight
Of the days when I was a drover.

The bulloakes stirring in the breeze
The meandering water courses,
The music of the hobble chains
Of the drovers weary horses.

A thousand head of baldy steers
Stretched out for more than a mile,
A hearty meal at the camp at night
From a cook that we had on trial.

The sudden storm where hope is born
That at last the drought be broken,
But once again we wait in vain
For the rain is but a token.

The old camp dog, his hackles rise
When a dingo’s howl is heard,
Then a piercing cry from up on high
Of some unseen nocturnal bird.

There are many times when all is calm
When droving cattle’s a delight,
But something unforseen can often mean
Wild rushes in the night.

Riding watch on a moonlight night
Round a big mob to and fro,
Brings to the drover a sense of peace
That city folk will never know.

Many times I’ve heard it said
By older men than me,,
That once droving’s in your blood
Other paths are hard to see.

Now the lamp of youth grows dim with age
And my working days are nearly over,
One of the things I treasure most
Are the memories of a drover.

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis

since 2007-09-16

Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California

1 posted 2009-06-08 02:25 AM

Thank you for sharing these wonderful memories, Lindsay.
Ida

Heart2Heart
Senior Member

since 2009-05-15

Posts 738
Scotland/Norway

2 posted 2009-06-08 01:38 PM

This is truly a lovely poem, I did enjoy sharing your memories. Written in a style I love myself.
Heart2Heart

Robert E. Jordan
Member Rara Avis

since 2008-01-25

Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

3 posted 2009-06-08 01:47 PM

Yo Lindsay,

This is an interesting and well written poem. I think many of us have memories of past endeavors.

Bobby

WTBAKELAR

Senior Member

since 2008-09-09

Posts 1089
Utah, USA

4 posted 2009-06-08 04:11 PM

Lindsay, I can see you now, astride your sturdy mount, slowly circling the heard, in the full moonlight, probably whistling an old cowboy tune, (tumbling tumbling weed, or get along ya little do-gies)
I'd be willing to bet you came up with more stories out there, than we will ever get a chance to read from you, but I look forward to reading each one.

Keep on drovin, my friend.
Tracey

LindsayP
Member Elite

since 2007-07-28

Posts 3410
Australia, Victoria

5 posted 2009-06-09 12:59 PM

A sincere thanks to Ida, Heart2heart, Bobby and Tracey for your generous reponse. It's

always nice to hear back from all you great poets. God bless you all.

Lindsay

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