A POEM FOR OUR NORMAN

[Keith Morris]

"tanks" here---just to let you know that we are thinking of you over there in New Zealand.

A POEM FOR NORMAN
[anon]
The sun was hot already – it was only 8 o'clock
The cocky took off in his Ute, to go and check his stock.
He drove around the paddocks checking wethers, ewes and lambs,
The float valves in the water troughs, the windmills and the dams.

He stopped and turned a windmill on to fill a water tank
and he saw a ewe down in the dam, a few yards from the bank.
“Typical bloody sheep” , he thought, they've got no common sense,
They won't go through the gateway but they'll jump the bloody fence.

The ewe was stuck down in the mud, he knew without a doubt,
She'd stay there 'till she carked it if he didn't get her out.
But when he reached the waters' edge, the startled ewe broke free
and in her haste to get away, began a swimming spree.

He reckoned once her fleece was wet, the weight would drag her down
If he didn't rescue her, the stupid sod would drown.
Her style was impressive, her survival chances slim
He saw no other option, he would have to take a swim.

He peeled his shirt and singlet off, his trousers, boots and socks
And as he couldn't stand wet clothes, he also shed his jocks.
He jumped into the water and away that cocky swam
He caught up with her somewhere near the middle of the dam.

The ewe was quiet evasive, she kept giving him the slip
He tried to grab her sodden fleece but couldn't get a grip.
At last he got her to the bank and stopped to catch his breath
She showed him little gratitude for saving her from death.

She took off like a Bondi tram around the other side
He swore next time he caught that ewe he'd hang her bloody hide.
Then round and round the dam they ran, although he felt quiet puffed
He still thought he could run her down, she must be nearly stuffed..

The local stock rep came along, to pay a call that day.
He knew this bloke was on his own, his wife had gone away,
he didn't think he'd get fresh scones for morning tea
But neither was he ready for what he was soon to see.

He rubbed his eyes in disbelief at what came into view
For running down the catchment came this frantic-looking ewe.
And on her heels in hot persuit and wearing not a stitch
The farmer yelling wildly, “Come back here, you lousy bitch ”!

The stock rep didn't hang around, he took off in his car
The cocky's reputation has been damaged near and far
So bear in mind the Work Safe rule when next you check your flock
Spot the hazard, assess the risk, and always wear your jocks !

Keith.

[norman]

Ode to a sheep farmer eh Keith... Dont you start got enough with Dot pokin the borax