I've never been a shearer and I don't live on a farm.
I don't have shearer's fingers or the calloused farmer's palm.
My back's not shearing limbered, I don't have a farmer's arm,
But my time out in the country didn't do me any harm.
I've never been a jackaroo, I don't live way out west,
I don't have a pair of moleskins, or the V-lined sunburnt chest,
My boots aren't RM Williams, and to me a roo's no pest,
But my time out in the country was in many ways my best.
I've never been a drover, and I don't live way outback,
I don't have a trusty stockhorse, or an o'nite swag to pack,
My talent's not for cattle, I don't have the stockman's knack,
But my time out in the country helped me get myself on track.
I've never been a cattleman, I don't live on a station,
I don't have a leather saddle, I've not ridden round this nation,
My legs aren't bowed for riding, I know no horse information,
But my time out in the country was a helpful relocation.
I've never been a ringer, and I don't live in the bush,
I don't have the urge for sheep-work, or to join the inland push,
My spirit's not for bosses, and I won't be told to shush,
But my time out in the country was without the city's rush.
I've never been a barman, and I've never owned a pub.
I don't have experience pouring beers, or serving hotel grub.
My dreams are not a meeting place, the central social hub,
But my time out in the country means I'm in the country club.
I've never been a bushman, and the desert's not my home.
I don't have knowledge of the land, nor of the dusty loam.
My legs aren't build for wandering, to walkabout or roam,
But my time out in the country rendered stories by the tome.
I've never been a truckie, and I don't live on the road.
I don't have a rig for carting stuff, or pep pills carefully stowed.
My forte's not for tying knots, or strapping down a load,
But my time out in the country taught me skills I've oft' since showed.
I was in fact a chalkie. I played football for the town.
The school put on a circus, so of course I was a clown.
My dress was modest, I don't own an academic gown,
and my time out in the country school would rarely make me frown.
I went in as a teacher, but it was my learning phase.
I's pretty much a city boy; this new life sweet malaise.
While living in the district I learned lots 'bout rural ways,
And my time out in the country will stay with me all my days.
(c) TJ McGowan, Mrs Myth
