The Billy That Died With Its Boots On and Other Australian Verse | Books & magazines
The Billy That Died With Its Boots On and Other Australian Verse
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15.01.2022 I’m thrilled to have learned just now that I have made the shortlist for the York Mix Poems for Children Competition 2019.
15.01.2022 Very happy to have received a 'High Commendation' in the 2019 Bronze Swagman Award for Bush Verse for my poem "Winter on Mount Stirling." (The last time I recei...ved a High Commendation in the Bronze Swagman was 1986!) Congratulations to all the winners, especially Sean Duff and Max Merckenschlager! (Thanks to my daughter Lenore for the photos.)
11.01.2022 This is the poem that won was Highly Commended in the 2019 Bronze Swagman Award for Bush Verse. Winter on Mount Stirling It’s cold upon Mount Stirling when the ...winter’s at is peak, High upon Mount Stirling in the snow; When the treetops start their swaying, It appears that they are saying, Higher than this point, you should not go! It’s bitter on Mount Stirling when the winter hits full steam, Pumping snow and sleet and rain and ice. If a gloveless moment lingers It plays havoc with your fingers, And it threatens to extract a heavy price. It’s ghastly on Mount Stirling when the winter takes firm hold. The scenery’s reduced to black and white, Unless there is a whiteout. You don’t want to spend a night out, For the night air has a very nasty bite. It’s wicked on Mount Stirling when the winter gets a grip. It’s wicked and it’s dreadful and it’s bleak. It’s horrid and it’s rotten. Let this point not be forgotten! It isn’t for the timid or the meek! But sometimes on Mount Stirling, the snow is soft as powder. The sky is crystal blue, the air is clear. The cold and dark, so tragic, Melt away, as if by magic; A gentle breeze caresses While your skis carve graceful s’s, And all those vicious demons disappear! Stephen Whiteside 19.08.2018
