Aussie Mick Poem by Francis Duggan

The World Champion swimmer Michael Klim
Australian People feel so proud of him
In Perth he swam his way to World gold
And the stories of his marvellous feats will often be re-told.

I spoke to a sports mad Aussie yesterday
And of Michael Klim he had great things to say
He said we have another Aussie great
Another Aussie World Champ to celebrate.

He said you have often heard of i suppose
Of the names of Dawn Fraser and Murray Rose
Two Australian Champion swimmers of the past
The memories of their greatness seems to last.

Shane Gould and Kieren Perkins have known World wide fame
And many other champion Australian swimmers I might name
To their great wins we have drunk many a toast
But I'll stop there for I don't mean to boast.

I said we will return to Michael Klim
And i know Australians feel so proud of him
But he's from Poland and he answered 'so'
You tell us something that we already know.

Like I said 'mate' I am not one to brag
But Klim swims under the Australian flag
And when he won gold sweet music filled the air
They played our anthem 'Advance Australia Fair'.

He glanced at his watch and he said it's getting late
I must be off I'll see you later mate
And i was left once more to ponder on
This thing called patriotism after he had gone.

If in the swimming pool Michael Klim was not quick
They would not have referred to him as Aussie Mick
Or were he working man or out of work on the dole
Perhaps then they would call him 'Mick the Pole'.

But people of all Nations much the same
They only see success in wealth and fame
Of their Country's sporting achievements they can brag
And their patriotism carried in a flag.

The World champion swimmer Michael Klim
Australian People think highly of him
And of his great achievements they feel proud
But he's from Poland 'don't say that aloud'.