BARK OF THE OLD SEA-DOGS

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