Man In The Kakadu Hat Poem by Chris Higginson

“I’m just an Aussie Farrier
Sam Malone’s the name…”
He leapt the stockade barrier
“Ridin’ Bull’s me game! ”
He held his hand, I took it
His muscles made of steel
A man’s grip firm, I shook it
This is a man for real
I saw he had some scars
Upon his legs and arm
“From fights in Aussie Bars? ”
I thought he’d come to harm
“Naah, ” he said, “A Filly
She kicked me on the shin
I was a little silly! ”
Engaging was his grin
“Me arm got hurt while wranglin’
Down by Dawson’s Creek
I gotta bit of manglin’
Beginnin’ of last week.
Broke me arm the month before
Slid down a mountain scree
The horse on top, a little sore
He rolled around on me.”
I said, “You must have swore
To never ride again.”
“Oh no, ’ he said, “What’s more
I’m used to all the pain
And as for all that swearin’
I don’t do that these days
You’ll not from me be hearin’
A swearin’ word or phrase! ”
A unique man? Or was he
Someone who is rare
The only bloody Aussie
I met who doesn’t swear