Andrew's Big Day Poem by Francis Duggan

July the fifth is Andrew's birthday born forty years ago
Thousands of miles north in England yet knowing him you'd never know
That he was born out of Australia of an English accent not one trace
He is a fair dinkum Aussie and Aussie culture he embrace.

He came to Australia with his family when he was still a young boy
And he is now a true Australian in this Country he will die
He works hard as hard as any and his leisure hours he appreciates
Like going out with his partner Sarah to have a few drinks with their mates.

Andrew is a clever fellow and a tough one to debate
On his views he never wavers on what's best for Country and for State
You might say he's well informed one of the enlightened few
And he does not give ground easily he sticks to his point of view.

He likes to bet on the horses and I have heard him recall
That he once had his own race horse who did not do well at all
And he also has a flutter on Australian Rules Football
And it will make his September if Essendon are made to look small

Those who say that in September Essendon will win the Premiership Cup
From him get a strong reaction such talk seems to stir him up,
He feels the footballing 'Bombers' are full of their own conceit
And I have known him to be happy the few times they have been beat.

Thursday is to be Andrew's big day he will be four decades old
And there's much to like about him the man has a 'heart of gold'
Hope he has a marvellous birthday and his party he will enjoy
For he will have to wait for twelve months for the next fifth of July.