Da Bum

The moment his school days were over
The thought of a job left him numb,
The "itchy foot bug" had bit him
So it’s off round Australia, by thumb.

He became an expert hitchhiker
Criss crossing the land at will,
Without buying a litre of petrol
And only his belly to fill.

I’m going to England he told us,
He’d had that ambition while growing up
I’m going to England he told us
To see “Spurs” win the F.A. cup.

It’s a long way to go to see football
And the wrong bloody code we thought,
But true to his word, two weeks later
A plane bound for England he caught.

The first thing he did on arrival
Was to visit Whitehall, that’s Spurs patch,
And there a friendly policeman
Produced tickets to see the match.

Spurs won the Cup that season
His world had a rosy hue,
He followed them round all next season
And they hadn’t a bloody clue.

He landed a job in America
“Counsellor” at a youth camp,
Then off for a look round the U.S.
On the cheap, a bit like a tramp.

He must have done well as a counsellor,
‘Cos next year they invited him back;
Another look round the U.S.
Out comes the faithful backpack.

I’m coming home he told us
After two years of roaming around,
I’ll be home for Christmas he told us
Home for Christmas, oh what a sound.

I’ve got a new job, he told us
Doing youth-work at the “Y”
We always knew he could do it
If only he’d give it a try.

I’m getting married, he told us
Now that came as a real surprise,
I’m going to get married, he told us
Without even a blink of his eyes.

He brought Carolyn to meet us
They’d met at the YMCA,
I’m getting married, he told us
April the 5th is the day.

Before that day comes, he told us
I’m off for a trip overseas.
He’s not taking Carolyn with him
She’s staying home, if you please.

Our habit of not going to weddings
Seems set for an end to the run.
They’re getting married in Geelong
So we’re going to get to this one.

To Marcus and Carolyn, the best
Of all the good things in life.
Is a wish that comes from the heart,
When they settle down, man and wife.


Peter Holt

Note; The trip overseas before the
wedding didn't happen! Yah Carolyn!

My son Marcus is, or rather was,
"Da Bum" he made mention of this poem
in a post recently, visit his site
Holt Press via the link on my sidebar.