Wear And Tear
Helpless on arrival, life is under way,
family education, learning everyday.
Encouraged by our elders, quickly into stride,
nothing unattainable, fear was set aside.
Like bullocks on a bore drain, sucking through the slime,
headlong into everything, pushing overtime.
Hellbent on the job at hand, working days weren’t short,
guarantees, there were none, a lot we tried was fraught.
Jackboot Block on muster, Trevor on a bike,
five am and freezing, what was not to like.
Throttle open, hit a bump, sent flying through the air,
twenty meters, knocked out cold, extracted for repair.
Driving in the desert, Malcolm past his prime,
windows needed wiping, so much dust and grime.
Reaching for advantage, mishap on display,
leg snapped like a carrot, a chopper on its way.
A goat track in Teringie, no hint of level ground,
sighter wire to run and strain, footing holds unsound.
Extracted on a stretcher, leg was badly bent,
ambo ride, plates and screws, my days of fencing spent.
Working out from Wakefield, Leon came unstuck,
cleaning out a chook shed, his loader gave a buck.
Smashed into the steering wheel, his sternum took a hit,
R&R was authorised, his breastbone had been split.
Trials and tribulations, mistakes along the way,
all just part of turning up, exhausted everyday.
Slipping into slowdown, working days are done,
loads of satisfaction, had a lot of fun.
Retirement in the Flinders, Bill with time to think,
a little wobbly on his feet, eyesight on the blink.
Ninety three and counting, bought a walking frame,
wear and tear, in need of care, too many mates to name.
Movement’s now a shuffle, buggered in the hips,
a keen eye on the form guide, loves to share his tips.
A glass of red to contemplate, helpful when required,
out’n about, still in the shout, a life to be admired.
Glen Hughes ©
4/8/23
7/7/23 Uncle Bill Mitchell, 93, celebrating his son Malcolms 70th birthday and retirement. A rare occurrence for most families!
Nelle's journey 