If Peter Barling Poem by Francis Duggan

If Peter Barling came to Warrnambool today
He would miss the pub known as 'The Lady Bay'
For holiday flats to be built there the pub was knocked down
And the changes are happening in Peter's Hometown.

For sun loving Peter Victoria is a bit cool
And the Gold Coast is much warmer than Warrnambool
He is up there with Anthea and when his day's work is done
He sits on his verandah drinking beer in the sun.

And though memories of Peter Barling in Warrnambool remain
His Hometown's loss is the Gold Coast's big gain
An experienced roof tiler and of roof repair
A tradesman supreme and his type are so rare.

Now into his seventies and still going strong
He still works in the South Queensland sun all day long
Then at home relax and enjoy a few beers
A long way from Warrnambool where he lived for many years.

The Lady Bay his favourite watering hole was bulldozed years ago
If Peter returned the place he loved perhaps he would not know
He is living on the Gold Coast far north of Warrnambool
For him the southern climate was just that bit too cool.