Comment from Janelle

Excellent

Hey Alpaca L, Happy New Year to you and I hope you got the best present of all, lots of rain! Ours unfortunately has stopped, but at least the tank is full.

I was checking out your portfolio and saw this and was annoyed that I missed it for some reason as I certainly would have voted for it. It seems you didn't need my vote anyway becaue you done good girl. Congratulations and one for the Aussies!.

It is a great poem, very well constructed and our wonderful slang was superbly used to paint a very colourful character. There were so many of them around in the fifties and sixties wasn't there, when I was growing up anyway! LOL. I always love writing that showcases our unique aussie flavour and this piece is an excellent example. Well done and I look forward to reading more of the same. Hope you well and happy, hugs to you, Hooroo, Jan.

 Comment Written 12-Jan-2009

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reply by the author on 12-Jan-2009

Well, thank you for popping in to look at an old, dusty one of mine! If you're interested in a couple more, there's A True Blue Aussie Legend (or whatever I called the darned thing) and in my Residue of War book, there's one called "A Man Like Me and You". As said, if you're interested and got time (no need to review).

Again, thanks so much, fellow Aussie, for calling in!! xoxoxoxoxoxo

reply by Janelle on 12-Jan-2009

You're more than welcome! And I will take a look as I like your work and it's Aussie flavour. Regards, Jan

Comment from grassroots08

Excellent

Where's the blue ribbons that they always pass out at the fair. This sordid piece, surely must gits one. That be for sure. Nicely penned - no chasing rabbits here, I git the story good, mate. LOL Don

 Comment Written 03-Dec-2008

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reply by the author on 03-Dec-2008

Well, g'day to ya mate, and thanks for yer comments! No chasin' rabbits here, 'cept with a gun ... xoxoxoxoxxo

reply by grassroots08 on 03-Dec-2008

Noteably votable!!! LOL Don

reply by the author on 03-Dec-2008

And graciously accept(ed)able ... xoxoxoxoxo!?

Comment from Gert sherwood

Excellent

Hello alpacalady
Let me tell you your entry is a winner.
Love the Aussie slang and you did wonders with the required words
the best of luck to you in this contest
Gert

 Comment Written 30-Nov-2008

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reply by the author on 30-Nov-2008

Thank you so very much Gert. I was a bit worried about this as I didn't want to overly "push" Australian stuff too much, but it seems it's gone down well so far, especially reading your comments! So I'm surprised at the moment, but very, very appreciative of the open-mindedness of those who've read it, and the excellent comments like yours! So, as said, thanks so much for what you've said and for the good luck wishes! xoxoxoxoxo

reply by Gert sherwood on 30-Nov-2008

alpacalady
You are so welcome
Take care
smiles
Gert

Comment from eveeator

Excellent

excellent, easy to see why already an exceptional tag on this piece of poetry, I think you have done a terrific job with the words but really with the whole poem, I love the theme, the slang, the way you have written this and you can just see this bloke proud in his clobber, really great entry for the contest I sense another success here, keep on writing, excellent, best regards yvonne

 Comment Written 30-Nov-2008

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reply by the author on 30-Nov-2008

Your comments do me proud Yvonne to say the least! Very happy you enjoyed this and thank you so much for what you've said and the five stars don't go astray either! xoxoxoxo

Comment from Maurice WA Johnson

Excellent

Well done Chris. Not only have you fulfilled the contest requirements, you've also managed to give us an entertaining poem with bags of 'period' detail. Love the 'accent'. Good Luck.

 Comment Written 30-Nov-2008

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reply by the author on 30-Nov-2008

Thanks so much Maurice. I'm so glad you liked this one, and also enjoyed the slang. I appreciate your comments and good luck wishes very much indeed! xoxoxoxo

Comment from Domino

Excellent

Hi, Chris. Jeeeeez! All this for just 2 measley cents? It'd better be good, LOL.
Great Aussie excuse for not speaking one's Queen's English, like what I always do, guvnor.
I'm always a little hestitant about using 'queer' nowadays, and never feel 'gay'! LOL!
'the false foot's tucked in me boot' - great rhyme with 'beaut' LOL.
'a bit 'pitter-pattery'!' - nice one 'Shakers'!
What's 'cark it'?

Great fun this; made a little more sense than mine. I hope that's not an insult. LMAO! Good luck, Ray xx

 Comment Written 30-Nov-2008

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reply by the author on 30-Nov-2008

Guv,
It's the "non-sensical" stuff that's often more enjoyable though, don't you reckon?

Now i'm pretty darned over the moon you liked this offerin' of mine Sir Guv. Your comments have made me day, make no mistake! And no, I would never take insult from you me pommy buddy, after all Australians and Englishmens are very connected both in language and ... shall we say ... behaviour; in so many ways still! (To explain, "cark it" is an Aussie term for "die" or "end it". Often, cark/ed it is also used to describe a car which has broken down "bloody ute carked it out on the road ...").

I've enjoyed this review as much as your work I think! (Did I say this to you about another recent one?) You sure have a way with words, particularly humorous ones. When the hell are you gonna write book which is a compilation of all your poems, eh? I think I'd be tempted to buy it ...

Anyway, 'nuff ravin'. Thanks cobber for stoppin' by, takin' the time and most importantly, enjoyin' it! Yer a little beauty mate! xoxoxoxoxxo

reply by Domino on 30-Nov-2008

Hi, Chris. LOVED your message, LOL!
'cark it' - hilarious!
I'll think about a book but't don't reckon one sale will cover me costs. LOL. You may get a snigger outa my last post called 'race' xx

Comment from Minglement

Excellent

An excellent take on the assignment, using it not so much for a story, as a character sketch, which was quite intriguing. Loved that you added the Author notes on the slang. I wouldn't, and others shouldn't, fault you for the 'misspells' and obvious dialogue quirks. It adds to the flavor. Well done on a tough assignment!

 Comment Written 28-Nov-2008

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reply by the author on 28-Nov-2008

Thanks so much Minglement. I do worry about those who might be put off by use of Aussie slang, especially if they've not heard it. That way I can go for broke! Again, thanks so much for your encouraging comments. Love from Ms Confusement xoxoxoxo

reply by Minglement on 28-Nov-2008

The slang adds to the flavor. Your notes helped me understand some of the slang. It's called learning. Love it! Great job. I always know I'm going to enjoy your work. Keep it up. Marcia

Comment from kassey

Excellent

I thinkmyou did an amazing job of this contest and your choice of subject and word usage. I have an advantage in that I am a Brit who has visited Oz on a couple of occassions so I did not need the expalnations of the words, they read fine to me first time reading. I also have an entry into this contest but that doesn't stop me wishing you good luck.. Kay

 Comment Written 07-Nov-2008

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reply by the author on 07-Nov-2008

Thanks so much Kay, for your excellent comments, five stars and good luck wishes. Like you, I don't let being in a contest stop me from wishing good luck to another entrant, so to you I wish you best of luck, and as said, thank you so much for your lovely words! xoxoxoxo

Comment from vertigo50

Excellent

This was a sweet and amusing poem. I loved leaning some new Australian terms--Digger. Good job!

I'm a true-blue Aussie bloke who once was called a 'Digger'
I fought in wars and got quite good at pullin' an accurate trigger
I still wear me khaki 'cause it's tough, hard-wearin' clobber
If people gawk, I tip me hat and wink, with a "G'day Cobber!"

 Comment Written 03-Nov-2008

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reply by the author on 03-Nov-2008

Thanks so very much vertigo; glad you enjoyed this bit o' slang! xoxoxoxo

Comment from bard owl

Excellent

This is great! What a super job you have done describing the man who has certainly be around and has the scars to prove it! I always marvel at your sense of rhythm and rhyme and ability to tell a whopping good story. Your countrymen would be so proud. I know an Australian guy from Tottenham, NSW who reminds me of your poem's hero! Excellent imagery and I wouldn't be surprised at all to see this poem win 1st prize. Best of luck. Blessings always, Linda

 Comment Written 03-Nov-2008

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reply by the author on 03-Nov-2008

Thanks once again! Hubby liked this one, so that to me is great praise, as are your words here. I appreciate your encouragement and good luck wishes. If you've entered also, best of luck to you my friend! xoxoxoxo