Trouble on the Selection

Henry Lawson, 1890

      You lazy boy, you're here at last,
             You must be wooden-legged;
      Now, are you sure the gate is fast
             And all the sliprails pegged
      And all the milkers at the yard,
             The calves all in the pen?
      We don't want Poley's calf to suck
             His mother dry again.

      And did you mend the broken rail
             And make it firm and neat?
      I s'pose you want that brindle steer
             All night among the wheat.
      And if he finds the lucerne patch,
             He'll stuff his belly full;
      He'll eat till he gets 'blown' on that
             And busts like Ryan's bull.

      Old Spot is lost? You'll drive me mad,
             You will, upon my soul!
      She might be in the boggy swamps
             Or down a digger's hole.
      You needn't talk, you never looked
             You'd find her if you'd choose,
      Instead of poking 'possum logs
             And hunting kangaroos.

      How came your boots as wet as muck?
             You tried to drown the ants!
      Why don't you take your bluchers off,
             Good Lord, he's tore his pants!
      Your father's coming home to-night;
             You'll catch it hot, you'll see.
      Now go and wash your filthy face
             And come and get your tea.