Bread and Drippin'

Bread and Drippin’ White shirt, black trousers and braces Under trench coat and boots with no laces. Nobody knows from whence you came, Nobody knows if you have a name, Just another face in a million faces. You traipse down the track to our side gate, Dogs are all barking so there you wait. Your tattered old hat is pulled down some, Your tattered old hat is doffed to my mum. I can’t help wondering where you’ve been of late. Your eyes cast low and head tilted to your knees, ‘A billy of tea and a piece of bread and drippin’ please.’ Then off to the wood heap to cut us some wood, Then off to the wood heap to pay for your food, Its not expected but if it puts your mind at ease. Nan says ‘Stop him he cuts it too big anyway’, But we let you go - It’s your way to pay. Wood pieces flying with each overhand Wood pieces flying under the tank stand No use talking - You’ve got nothing to say. With a bag of mutton sandwiches and a billy of tea You take off out the gate without looking at me. Your billy of tea you - put a stone you have found Your billy of tea you - swing round and round What about tomorrow, I wonder where you’ll be. by The SwagmanDedicated to “Bread and Drippin” one of the last true “Swaggies” to trudge the tracks. May wherever he sleeps now be peaceful and quiet. Written November 16th, 2001 © on Nov 15 2001 10:35 PM PST   0 • 10