Fun, sometimes rowdy and always delightfully full of Australian colour. a collection of Australian Bush poems. A collections of Australian Bush poems, told in the familiar Aussie Twang, and reflecting bush scenes, myths, legends characters and images of my Australian Countryside.   Excerpt 'She's the backbone of the outback, The battler from Back of Bourke The one who's always left behind To do the daily work! (1st verse of "The Drover's Missus")

Professional Reviews
Delightful!
A short book to delight poetry fans! This is a collection of 24 Australian poems written by Wendy Laing. Each tells a tale or gives the reader something to think about.

*** On a personal note, my favorites were "The Drover's Missus" and "Fang From Yang Yawn". ***

HUNTRESS BOOK REVIEWS (Reviewed by Détra Fitch)



Charming
Under the Coolabah Tree, by Wendy Laing is a charming collection of Australian Poems. Wendy has a way with words that not only leads you through the jungles of Australia but also entertains you in style. Her creativity in writing is something to be treasured.
Kim's Reviews~~Reviewed by Kim Gaona



5 stars highly recommended
Reviewed first for author
Title: . Under The Coolabah Tree
A Collection of Australian Poems
Author: . Wendy Laing
http://www.wendylaing.com
Line/Publisher: moving publisher
Release Date: . 2000
ISBN:
Zestful Read 5 stars Highly Recommended

The Review
This is a collection of twenty-four glorious poems told in ‘Aussie’ talk.

Fang from Yang Yawn sets the tone for just plain divertissement told through the eyes of the pup, “Pat the swagman, retired of late. He found me by the river, a pup… I’m famous like mum, a dog called Skye” and a surprise ending to the ode sure to tickle the funny bone! The Kanga Man, (Koala) Bear Essentials!, and Gold Fever continue the illustrious work. I particularly liked the tenet presented in Snow “Tho’ Snow’s been dead, a hundred years, his spirit still lives on coz His great grandson, with hair like Snow, the mountain race has won.”

The Drover’s Missus speaks of the sturdiness of women. Blowies! We may not call ‘em by this name, but the poem leaves little doubt as to what they are. Av-a-go-yer-Mug! Made me chuckle. Full as a Boot? Presents a delightful glance at Santa. Leaps and Bounds, Boomerangs, The Swagman, and The Hunter are next. Ow-ya-goin’? Presents a little different theme, “Now the Aussie and the Pom Were wetting the grandson’s head!”

Digger is a moving tale of a former soldier, Outback Dunny takes only a moment to realize exactly what the poem is about even though few of us here have seen or used, nor call by this name! Bunyip!, Surfer, and the poignant little ditty Ned appear just before three fun odes to Australian critters. Wombats, Snake!, and Kookaburra are fun to read.

True Blue “ ‘Drink up, put hairs on ya chest!’ He was an Aussie bloke True Blue!” and
Jack ‘n Jillaroo afford a nice ending to the work.

Author Laing proves her skill as a writer with this delightful collection of poetry. There is just the right mix of critters, circumstances and introspection characteristic of Australia. Laing is able to take the most simple of critters or circumstances and weave a marvelous little anecdote told in verse around it. While writer Laing used idiom native to her homeland and discusses domains indicative of the continent; the work is just as enjoyable when read by a non Aussie. Each of the poems is a true delight.

This is a fun collection of buoyant, spirited poetry sure to pique the interest of the most discerning reader who is looking for a nice afternoon’s read.

This is not a deep dreary tome filled with stark odes, but is rather a work filled with uplifting easy to read, easy to enjoy works meant to be enjoyed and enjoyed again.


Reviewed by: molly martin http://www.angelfire.com/ok4/mollymartin

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