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C J Dennis - The Hundredth Year
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Not that I`d quarrel with the way
   They celebrates their hundredth year
In town (said old Pete Parraday),
   But that don`t suit us bush blokes here.
So let bells ring and whistles blare
   And fill the town with mighty sound,
Let motor noises tear the air
   An` bonfires light the hills around.
When I`m five score I want some say
In things (said old Peter Parraday).

I`ve lived me life here in the bush
   (Said Pete) since I was but a boy;
An` all this city noise an` push
   Ain`t my idea of showin` joy.
Me ears ain`t tooned to sich like noise,
   And fire is like to wake our fear.
Them ain`t the things that we enjoys
   When celebratin` birthdays here;
So, if I live so long, I pray
For peace (said old Peter Parraday).

A hundred year`s a long, long spell
   To hang about this mad ole earth,
And when man nears his century -- well
   He don`t crave much of noisy mirth --
Not for himself, with life near run
   Its length, such comes for others yet;
Not for himself; for he is done,
   With all life`s hectic fuss an` fret.
So let me have my foolish way
In this (said old Pete Parraday).

I ask but this, an` nothin` more,
   When comes my hundredth natal day;
Let me sit here beside my door
   And dream (said old Pete Parraday).
While bush birds sing the songs I know,
   And bush sounds that I love the best,
Wake memories of the long ago,
   Let me sit here a while and rest.
Aye, rest, and sleep and, who shall say?
Sleep sound (said old Pete Parraday).
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