Outside Dunny Poem by jerry hughes
Outside Dunny
If you didn't spend time in the bush
during the middle of the last century,
you wouldn't understand the significance
of the 'outside dunny.'
They weren't particular to Australia, however,
we had the legendary variety consisting of:
1. A hole dug in the ground with a wooden
bench atop, and a roughly hewn hole for
sitting or squatting on, used by both sexes.
Plus the mandatory five billion blow-flies to
keep you company.
2. A similar building that always leaned, but
more sophisticated with a door, and a bucket
below needing emptying frequently. Generally
at the base of the cirtus trees that grew close
to the house.
Revolting? Absolutely!
So during my sojourn in the bush of south-west
Western Australia, I preferred not to participate
in this 'outside dunny' mystique.
A kindly tree for # one, and a heel-hole kicked
in the earth for # two became the norm.
This is an educational piece indeed and I concur, I wouldn't dare use this dunny if I could help it! Sounds similar to but no better than the 'outhouse' of the South. High temperature with ghastly humidity and bugs that could take you and you're dunny away. Yes, bugs are that big in the 'South'. This brought a smile to my face and some education as well, well done! Ashley xo
The term 'dunny' is one of my favorite Australian colloquialisms. Delighted you have honored it with this 'educational' piece. love, Allie ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
I suppose when you leave a concentrated pile of food for the flies, you shouldn't be surprised when they join you for dinner? Danny
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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4/25/2024 10:00:34 AM # 1.0.0.1119
Oh! how I can relate to this. We used to hold our noses and run in and out as fast as we could! At my 21st birthday 'it' overflowed as my husband and I were announcing our engagement! That's because we moved to the sticks of Sydney in a horrible place with a horrible name Blacktown which was so uncivilized. At least you an I know the yuckyness of it all. A very educating piece of writing to all the poets who have not suffered like we have Jerry.......love Karin