BELLS AND BULLOCKS
(M.Gilmore/R.Rummery)

Ben the bullocky sits by the fire
On the long slow hours adrift
Bowed is the back that could never could tire
Whatever the hoist or lift.
Ask him stories of the teams, only get him talking
He will waken from his dreams, on the roads go walking.

There, though the body sags to the knees
His mind is out on the road
Watching the play of the axle-trees
Marking the swing of the load
'Bullocks, ay I knowed them then - no one knowed ‘em better
Spelt them just the same as men, letter after letter'

Once in a while we ask if he hears
The sound of Mennecke’s bells
Deep in the pits of his ancient ears
Repeating their olden spells
'Mennecke’s bells', then he'll say, 'never heard none like ‘em
Mennecke, he had the way, no one else could strike ‘em'

Bred to the yoke, old Bullocky Ben
Bullock-boy, that was his start
Says with a laugh, remembering men
'Them were the days- they were smart'
Written in his own queer way, bullock-whip the scriber
He made history in his day – Ben the bullock driver

Chloe and Jason Roweth sing this poem by Mary Gilmore on their tribute to Bob Rummery concert - go to 10:55 mark.

Yutube clip

Menneke bell

--Stewie.