Old Les Lawson

[Bec_Lawson]

Old Les Lawson – Written by Bec Lawson

Born in Monto in 31
A boy in the bush out in the sun
Didn’t much like school but loved the land
Didn’t read many books but was good with his hands

He grew up hard he grew up quick
Belted with a broom and hit with a stick
But he knew who he was and was proud of himself
He didn’t have much money but he had his health

But he loved the land
It ran through his veins
With a crack of the whip and a pull of the reins
That’s where his soul still remains
He loved his land

He moved on out to the Central West
Just a stockman at heart and one of the best
He still worked the land and did it rough
Only knew one way and that was tough

The land was hard and sometimes cruel
But you see old Les Lawson was no fool
He knew that place like the back of his hand
He stood his ground and he made his stand

Cause he loved the land
It ran through his veins
With a crack of the whip and a pull of the reins
That’s where his soul still remains
He loved his land

He loved his life but he knew his fate
Couldn’t leave the land and wouldn’t leave the state
And as his time drew near he had to stay
He said it was the only way

Now his spirit lives on in the very land
Where he worked bloody hard with blistered hands
He stayed a bushman till the day he died
Now his grave has settled and the tears have dried

Now he’s a part of the land
That runs through his veins
He has cracked his whip and has pulled the reins
And that’s where his soul will always stay
Caused he loved that land

[zondrae]

Welcome to the site Bec,

Your poem is heart warming. A simple tale, well told. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.  I look forward to reading more of your writing.

[r. magnay]

G'day Bec,
Good to see a new name on the screen, it is a shame to see the real bushies thinning out so much, it doesn't seem to be such an attractive lifestyle to the modern youth, the sense of adventure and pioneering spirit seems to be limited to some 4WD track not far from town, or a patch of scrub to ride a trail bike in. Look forward to seeing some more of your work.

[Bec_Lawson]

G'day Bec,
Good to see a new name on the screen, it is a shame to see the real bushies thinning out so much, it doesn't seem to be such an attractive lifestyle to the modern youth, the sense of adventure and pioneering spirit seems to be limited to some 4WD track not far from town, or a patch of scrub to ride a trail bike in. Look forward to seeing some more of your work.

Thanks Ross and Zondrae - Well I am 34 years young and grew up on a large sheep property near Ilfracombe in CW Queensland - I have a love of the bush thanks to my wonderful Dad - may he RIP.  He was a proud aussie bushman and he use to talk about many things including the min min lights when he was out droving.  Not hard to love the bush when I had such an inspirational person in my life.

Cheers

Bec

[therese]

much enjoyed this bec.  a lovely tribute