English Poetry. Andrew Barton Paterson. A Job for McGuinness. Эндрю Бартон Патерсон.

Andrew Barton Paterson (Эндрю Бартон Патерсон)

A Job for McGuinness

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’s other poems:

1. In the Stable
2. How The Favourite Beat Us
3. The Rule of the A.J.C.
4. The Road to Hogan’s Gap
5. On the Trek

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