The following are snippets from a poem by Bernie Kyle and a speech written by Lee Kernaghan. They both explore the the true meaning of the drought and what/how it has affected Australians both directly and indirectly. The heartfelt poem shows a farmers point of view of the drought the tough times that occur whilst in this dry period. Kernaghan’s speech talks about he how he has explored Australia and the areas that have been most affected and reaching out to those farmers and families who have been hit hard.
The Australian Drought by Bernie Kyle
And we’ve got the great need to buy in some feed
It’s causing plenty of Pain
Let’s hope we hold out, in Spite of the Drought
Till there’s rain, rain, and more rain.
The Sun’s burning down the fields are all brown
The stocks gone searching for shade
The Dams running low, the ground water’s gone
Green grass ?? There’s nary a blade.
Lee Kernaghan’s speech- Old Parliament House Canberra (12th July 2008)
“Prime Minister, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentleman,Since being awarded Australian of the Year I have continued my travels around Australia and have concentrated on visiting those areas of regional Australia most affected by drought.
The visits to local communities have been a paddock tour of sorts – an opportunity to meet face to face and talk quietly to the Mums and Dads, the Grandparents and the Kids from drought affected communities – to find out from them how they are coping and the issues that are affecting them the most.
To see the full poem and speech, click on the following links
http://blizzardguy.com/bernie/drought.htm
http://www.leekernaghan.com.au/home.htm
