The Tradie
There is a bunch of individuals,
Who stand out in a crowd…
They are called the Tradie’s,
They have really done us proud…
They navigate around Australia,
In their trusty vans or utes…
Wearing fluro flamin shirts,
And steel capped safety boots…
The tool belt is essential,
It is slung around the hip…
It is used to carry stuff,
And catch you if you slip…
Also you’ll need a baseball cap,
Where it backwards when inside…
Otherwise the straw hat is popular,
And is worn with all its pride…
To finish the attire,
Which makes you look complete…
You’ll need a pair of board shorts,
And footy socks upon your feet…
When you enter in the work site,
You must abide by the strictest rules…
By turning up the radio,
And using the loudest tools…
You must always keep an eye out,
In case the smoko van appears…
The tooting of his horn,
Brings out the loudest cheers…
As they quickly leave the worksite,
A stampede of hungry folk…
Who have a simple diet,
Of pies and cans of coke…
Then after they’ve been grazing,
A toilet break is due…
Where they can disappear for hours,
Inside that portaloo…
When they finally do emerge,
Dehydrated from the heat…
The seek a cool and quiet place,
To rest their weary feet…
By now it’s almost midday,
And they ring the dinner bell…
Then vanish from the worksite,
To the local pub or RSL…
Where they indulge in a beverage,
And the special of the day...
A ticket in the chook raffle,
Can never go astray…
The apprentice keeps a lookout,
In case the foreman shows his face...
As they wrestle with the form guide
To see who wins first place...
With the midday ritual over,
They return to work with haste…
Now it’s a race against the clock,
There’s just no time to waste…
The next few hours they go for it,
As the day draws near an end…
These relentless workplace warriors,
Are your trusted friends…
Len Newey 2016