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The Ballad Of
Aunty Gertrude
Angelyn Neoh
The story of an Aussie gal, both admired and wooed
Thus begins the ballad of our great Auntie Gertrude.
T’was a scorching day down under, 26th of Jan,
At precisely 1.02pm, Aunt Gertrude’s day began.
Puttin’ on her ol’ cork hat, she waddled down the stairs,
Of the rickety outback station, near that big red rock in Ayers.
The story of an Aussie gal, both admired and wooed
Thus continues the ballad of our great Auntie Gertrude.
She dawdled to the kitchen, rubbing daggy bludger eyes,
For brekkie, vegemite and toast, but found to her surprise…
Uncle Clancy, Aunty Fran, Bessie, Dingo too,
All them Aussie blokes and mates, true as truest blue.
The story of an Aussie gal, both admired and wooed
Thus continues the ballad of our great Auntie Gertrude.
‘Strewth, you took your time ol’ Gerty’, all the crowd did cry,
‘Oy, its just past arvo yet’, Aunt Gertrude did reply.
‘Well come on then, it’s Straya Day, so time to start the party,’
‘I’m starvin’, Baz and Fitzy said, ‘throw tucker on the barbie!’
The story of an Aussie gal, both admired and wooed
Thus continues the ballad of our great Auntie Gertrude.
And so the snags did sizzle fast, whilst juicy lamb chops charred,
Kids were running wild around, knockin’ wickets in the yard.
Tim tams, lamingtons and beer, this one had the lot,
with sausage rolls, tomato sauce and meat pies steaming hot.
The story of an Aussie gal, both admired and wooed
Thus continues the ballad of our great Auntie Gertrude.
Then without a warning wandered through the rusted door,
Koalas, wombats, kangaroos, with dirty muddy paws.
‘Please do let us join the party,’ old man emu pleaded,
‘We won’t stay long, for just a moment,’ budgerigar proceeded.
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