[ - Welcome to Manfred's Bush Poetry Pages

Welcome to Manfred's Poetry site

Real Aussie Culture

Introduction

Welcome to the Bush Poetry Pages. These pages reflect, I hope, some of the beauty and celebration of the Australian literary pursuit called Bush Poetry. It seems appropriate to dedicate some time to the delights that are shared at Bush Poets Breakfasts and competitions throughout the country on a regular basis.

On this site I'll touch on a little history of Bush Poetry, give some brief descriptions and works by some of our modern Bush Poets, as well as a treasure-chest of parochial jewels (yes, I'm unashamedly a Queenslander).

If you enjoy some of the works presented here, you can contact the authors direct for books/cds of their works.

For 'Overseas Visitors', unaquainted with our Australian humour , I've included a bit of whimsy by Jeremy Lee, Australia - The Confusing Country.

Feel free to eMail any contributions, comments or criticisms to ... ... but just remember that any opinions expressed in these pages by the contributors will be stubbornly defended to the grave. Parties with differing opinions should realise that they are either mistaken, misinformed or just plain wrong. Write in anyway, I really am glad to hear from you (seriously).

| 17.09.2009 |

Please Call Me Mate

(c) Manfred Vijars

Here in this country a bloke is a bloke
and a girl is a Sheila, fair dinkum, no joke
and here is one more thing I'm telling you straight
I'm an Australian, so please call me "Mate"

All over the world there are names for one's own
terms that are normal and not overblown
Not sure what they call friends up there in Kuwait
but here in Australia – just call me "Mate"

In Europe you may be an 'amigo', 'senior'
a 'comrade', 'ami' - there's these terms and more
But since you're out here, I'll reiterate
I'm an Australian, so please call me "Mate"

In England they have their formality and grace
so lordship and duchess and sir have their place.
to make me a Pommy - I'm no candidate
I'm an Australian, so please call me "Mate"

I like the Yanks and their cowboy lifestyle
share a campfire and sit for a while
But calling me "Buddy" will get me irate
'Cause I'm an Australian, so please call me "Mate"

Those imported cultures, I won't tolerate
if they push their agendas to invalidate
my pride for my culture, is not up for debate
I'm an Australian, so please call me "Mate"