Oh, it’s dreadful to think in a country like this
With its chances for work – and enjoyment
That a man like McGuinness was certain to miss
Whenever he tried for employment.
He wrote to employers from Bondi to Bourke,
From Woolloomooloo to Glen Innes,
But he found – though his wife could get plenty of work –
There was never a job for McGuinness.
But perhaps – later on – when the Chow and the Jap
Begin to drift down from the tropics,
When a big yellow stain spreading over the map
Provides some disquieting topics,
Oh, it’s then when they’re wanting a man that will stand
In the trench where his own kith and kin is,
With a frown on his face and a gun in his hand –
Then there might be a job for McGuinness!
(Andrew Barton Paterson)
More Poetry from Andrew Barton Paterson:
Andrew Barton Paterson Poems based on Topics: Man, Work & Career, Countries- The Travelling Post Office (Andrew Barton Paterson Poems)
- The Man Who Was Away (Andrew Barton Paterson Poems)
- The Old Tin Hat (Andrew Barton Paterson Poems)
- The Federal Bus Conductor and the Old Lady (Andrew Barton Paterson Poems)
- Shearing at Castlereagh (Andrew Barton Paterson Poems)
- The Quest Eternal (Andrew Barton Paterson Poems)
Readers Who Like This Poem Also Like:
Based on Topics: Man Poems, Work & Career Poems, Countries PoemsBased on Keywords: chances, kith, tropics, chow, jap, bourke, topics, enjoyment, disquieting, employers, woolloomooloo