“Bong!” There are footsteps. Then again. “Bong!” More footsteps. “Bong!” No, it’s not a bell-ringer practising his repertoire. It’s a farmer walking along his row of water tanks. “Bong!” Footsteps. “Thunk!” The last tank in the row is half full. It’s barely enough to supply the house, let alone the livestock and the crop. The … Continue reading The Big Instrument
There’s a bay they call Jonas’ Bay, because Jonas was the first white fella to spot it. Others call it Gilbert’s Bay. Mr Gilbert’s the bloke that planted the poplar trees. Some call it Mary Bay, because Mary raised the kids whose names are written on the paper that says the bay’s theirs. Some call … Continue reading Burra-Budgial Bay
Ramon always gets to class late. Ramon is always well dressed, his hair is clean, bright and tidy. His shoes are not new but they look appropriate for a child of school age who is very active and growing up. Ramon does not know his ABCs, or his numbers. When the teacher asks him to … Continue reading Ramon
“Red in the morning, a shepherd’s warning. Red at night, a shepherd’s delight.” My pa always said that to me when there was a pretty sunset. I don’t think he ever asked why. The saying’s usually ‘bout a sailor, but I guess pa changed it to shepherd because he was always a shepherd. And so … Continue reading The Little Slab Hut
Old Ben and his wife bought a place in the countryside to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. For the price of their modest apartment in the city, they got a piece of land that was big enough to raise goats and chickens, and all the crops they needed to sustain … Continue reading Home in the Countryside
The cows won't milk no more. The grass is good, the cows are fat and the dams are full, but the cows just won't milk. The vet can't nut it out. The scientists said there ain't nothing wrong with the dirt. Even the guy with the tin-hat reckons it weren't aliens this time. Ain't no … Continue reading The Cows Won’t Milk no More
Tandi Tales 