Francis Duggan Poems

For many years now he has quarrelled with his neighbour Bill
About the boundary of one field his high field by the hill
He claims Bill's grand dad stole some of their land one hundred years ago
He moved the boundary to their side or so he claim to know.
...

I've been told that Trix next door has passed away
And that her remains under Wonthaggi earth lay
But I think what I've heard must be hear say
For I've seen her in her garden yesterday.
...

Just nine days left to Christmas and another year near done
And gray shrike thrush on blackwood branch pipe in the evening sun
And magpie flutes his happy notes and golden whistler sing
And kookaburra's laughter from the gums of Selby ring.
...

I hear that you feel happier Dave since Serge now work with Jim
And that you feel glad so very glad to have seen the back of him
You feel like one relieved of pain no farewell tears for Serge
So many times he'd driven you right to the anger verge.
...

She has not died she merely went away
And she lives in a better place today
A happy Land where it is always Spring
And flowers bloom in the sun and wild birds sing.
...

Summer days come to the noisy City
And the city folk don their Summer attire
And the pigeon utters it's peculiar ditty
From it's nest atop the lofty spire.
...

I feel worn out, my legs feel tired, been walking all the day
From factory to factory in search of work but no work sad to say
And everywhere the answer no the answer much the same
We are sorry mate there are no jobs here but leave your phone number and name.
...

Isolated by the bosses he had stood up for his rights
They had done the dirty on him and the rebel in him fights
They cannot afford to sack him it would cost them six months
pay
...

Who are these 'Howard Battlers' of them so much we hear
Perhaps middle class Sydney Suburbanites wee Johnny they revere
And not blue collar workers since Howard himself to them does not endear
And their voting intentions have always been so clear.
...

Whilst Joe is supposedly drinking with his mates down at the local pub
His wife Ann is out walking with the women's walkers club
At least that's what Joe think she is doing and he wishes to believe
That Ann to him is faithful and him never would deceive.
...