I went to an event on Sunday to listen to some Bush Poetry. Its not something I am familiar with so had to go and check out what was involved and Shelley Hansen a bush poet herself, puts it beautifully :
http://www.shelleyhansen.com/59/what-is-bush-poetry-
"According to the Australian Bush Poets Association website, "by definition Australian Bush Poetry is metred and rhymed poetry about Australia, Australians and/or the Australian way of life".
Early bush poetry developed from the traditional ballads and sea-shanties that came to this country with the first European settlers. In time, a distinctive Australian voice began to emerge as poets wrote of our natural wonders, our history, and events experienced by themselves and others. Put simply, famous exponents of the genre such as Banjo Paterson and Henry Lawson, along with lesser-known writers, illuminated the world in which they lived. Bush poetry is truly Australia's first homegrown popular culture."
I had the privilege to listen to two on Sunday Noel Stallard and Greg North and not only did I admire their ability to roll off reams and reams of poetry without a hitch but also to note how funny, pertinent, irreverent and Aussie they all were. If you get a chance to listen to them go for it. It makes for wonderful entertainment. Here is one of Gregs poem's which I took from his book "Limericks and Littlies" entitled
Brolgas - this is a kind of big bird - watch them dancing in the You Tube video below and then read the poem.
Greg North
Just fabulous stuff. Thank you Robyn Jaques and Paul Perret for introducing me to this typically Aussie Genre of Bush Poetry.
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