Andy’s Gone with Cattle
Andy’s Gone with Cattle - meaning Summary
Absence of the Drover
The poem narrates a rural community’s reaction to Andy leaving to drive cattle across the Queensland border during drought. His absence creates practical troubles, low spirits, and worried family members. The speaker contrasts past cheerfulness with current hardship, naming places like the Darling and Macquarie to ground the journey. The closing stanzas turn into a plea for rain and for Andy’s safe return, linking hope for weather with hope for him.
Read Complete AnalysesOur Andy’s gone to battle now ‘Gainst Drought, the red marauder; Our Andy’s gone with cattle now Across the Queensland border. He’s left us in dejection now; Our hearts with him are roving. It’s dull on this selection now, Since Andy went a-droving. Who now shall wear the cheerful face In times when things are slackest? And who shall whistle round the place When Fortune frowns her blackest? Oh, who shall cheek the squatter now When he comes round us snarling? His tongue is growing hotter now Since Andy cross’d the Darling. The gates are out of order now, In storms the `riders’ rattle; For far across the border now Our Andy’s gone with cattle. Poor Aunty’s looking thin and white; And Uncle’s cross with worry; And poor old Blucher howls all night Since Andy left Macquarie. Oh, may the showers in torrents fall, And all the tanks run over; And may the grass grow green and tall In pathways of the drover; And may good angels send the rain On desert stretches sandy; And when the summer comes again God grant ’twill bring us Andy.
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