EXCUSE ME!  IT'S THE GIDYEA

The annual migrat'ry trek of Southern folk each year,
escaping chilly winter months they mostly seem to fear,
sees four wheel drives and caravans of ev'ry shape and size
roll slowly northward searching out the sunshine they all prize.

The backtrack to the outback takes folk up The Kidman Way,
through legendary, scenic, towns enticing them to stay,
a day or two while searching out historic tales of old,
while making friendships many hold more precious than fine gold.

Queensland's Matilda Highway carries folk still further North,
through Cunnamulla, Charleville and as they sally forth,
enjoy the flora's many scents that nature does provide;
that's all except the gidyea tree;  it stops them in their stride.

Especially when summer rains have been abnorm'ly kind,
resulting in a pungent smell that plays upon the mind.
Most couples can't ignore it as the odour is quite strong,
and usually the female says, "Hey love, there's something wrong!"

The other half then stops the car, he hates to be henpecked,
concluding maybe it's the gas and ev'rything is checked.
But no, the bottle's quite secure, so carries on his way,
perplexed as to the odours source, much to his wife's dismay.

Some females though will drive along content to show restraint,
acknowledging the woeful smell, but making no complaint.
The sideways glances and the pout reveal they sense the source,
disgusted by their other half's contempt to show remorse.

Though some blokes are all in the know and when their mate reacts,
they quickly set the matter straight by stating them the facts.
Excuse me!  It's the gidyea love;  might strong up here this year.
"Oh, I know that," some then reply.  "I'm not that silly dear."

©Bush Poet and Balladeer
Merv Webster

The Matilda highway has become old hat to Chris and myself these days as each year we've performed our show 'Laughter and Tears From The Bush' in many of the towns it links together.  "What's that terrible smell as you drive along?" is a question often asked by the many who traverse between Augathella and Barcaldine.  The gas bottles and the husband are usually the first suspects, but in time they learn - it's just the gidyea.

I'm sure Derek would agree that the old gidyea is sure good to cook on though.