BARK OF THE OLD SEADOGS
We sailed the bay and spied the heaven We heaved the anchor and rowed the shore We assured the blacks and offered the beads We beat the drum and spoke the signs We hauled the seyne and hid the intent We pitched the tents and scrubbed the bush We ached for scrubs, entreated the gins We sank the gin and whetted the axes We hacked the trees and dug the fences We fended the blacks and sowed the seed We seized the roos and caught the rays We raised the flag and sought the pine We pined for home but stole the land We landed marines and laid down order We ordered muskets and discharged thunder We charged the spears and wreaked the dolour We grabbed the dollars and bayed the sale
Michael Small
August, 1990
pub. Journal of Australian Literature, Tripura University, Agartala, India; July, 1991 University of Windsor Review, Windsor, Ontario, Canada; February, 1992