bush poet

This is writen in the style of an Australian Bush Ballad in the long line format popularised by A.B. Paterson.

THE LADY IN THE LOCKETT

From the cool of my verandah, on that morning in July
how the scream of hubby’s chainsaw brought a tear to my old eye.
One by one the branches toppled from the Pepperina tree
where the lady in the locket ‘round my neck would play with me.

Oh her smile was so infectious and her laughter filled the air;
she would push me on the old rope swing that daddy had put there.
I would hide beneath it’s branches when we both played hide and seek;
yes the lady in the locket who was gentle, kind and meek.

How I cherished all those precious years we shared both you and I
and the magic of those moments they still tend to make me cry.
You were always there to guide me through the good times and the strife.
My sweet lady in the locket. Yes the mother in my life.

Through my teenage years you nurtured me and gave me sound advice
on the values of relationships and that was rather nice.
When I married you were there for me and for my children too
and their love for that dear lady in the locket how it grew.

You’re house was always home to us and filled with warmth and love
and we know you’re in the book of life and known by God above.
But I miss you darling mother and you’ll always be to me
that sweet lady in the locket and a treasured memory.

How I cherished all those precious years we shared both you and I
and the magic of those moments they still tend to make me cry.
You were always there to guide me through the good times and the strife.
My sweet lady in the locket. Yes the mother in my life.

© Bush Poet and Ballad Writer -Merv Webster