Mirko From Slovenia Poem by Francis Duggan

Mirko he comes from Slovenia no longer under Yugoslav control
And Mirko is an honest worker, an honest and hard working soul
He's seen more than forty Summers and his hair has turned to gray
But Mirko he looks a bit older, he looks older many a day.

Of medium build he's not a tall man five foot seven not much more
But he is a very strong man for a man beyond two score
He can work in the hot sunshine with jack hammer all day long
This Mirko is surprising fellow he is durable and strong.

Though he's spent long years in Australia his English is not that good
Still he's got enough of diction to make himself understood
He still speaks with a Slovenian accent and that accent it will stay
With this likeable fellow Mirko until his life's final day.

Worked with Mirko from Slovenia when I worked for C.D.L.
In the height of Melbourne Summer when the days are hot as hell
Digging deep holes for foundations in near forty degrees of heat
In one of Bruno Grollo's projects 101 on Collins Street

Work never seened to bother Mirko, Mirko never seemed to tire
And he won my admiration him I could not but admire,
Earned his living in the hard way for his money gave his sweat
And honest Mirko from Slovenia is one I shall not forget