When travelling home to Sydney from along the Plenty ‘way

after leaving Tibooburra, Milparinka was my stay -

Evelyn Creek, that waterhole was inviting for a swim.

Albert Hotel, the only pub left standing, means the situations grim.

It wasn’t bloody long enough to search around for gold

so, when your thirst is mighty big, Adams Ale will take a hold.

While standin’ by the Cop Shop, was when I chanced to see

an horserider, just passin’ by - - I wished that it was me.

this Horserider - -

Upright in his saddle, riding true , riding tall

just easing along beside fences and wall,

he’s come for the thrills of competing quite soon

at the nearby rodeo which starts around noon.

He is burnt a sun bronze by the Capricorn glare,

he is handsome, he is tough with a far outback stare

that comes from flat country and seein’ for miles,

he easily pleases the ladies when he lays on his smiles.

His ride down from Birdsville has been lonely and hot,

but this far in the outback they are used to their lot.

He knows of the ‘Dig Tree’ and the tragedies there

it’s where Burke and Wills perished after

Gulf Carpentair.

Born, then bred to a saddle from early in life

some drinkin’ - some carousin’ - but kept out of strife.

He knows about cattle spread out over this land,

the muster, the bluster, the red desert sand.

He has ridden Strzelecki, the soft sandy creek

also the dirt track where lesser men weep

before passing the  Corner of Cameron fame

then on to Milparinka

where they all know his name - - -

©. Rimeriter 16/7/10.