Ab Initio

"TERRA AUSTRALIS" - Pomponius Mela a.d. 50

"OZI-OZI-OZI OY! OY! OY!" - Anon

Even so, things began very well After eight months battened down apart The women and men were inseparable, Making the beast-with-two-backs As if a new order of existence was imminent...

But then the rum and their luck ran out And after four days they were clapped back In their categories: pongoes and tars, Loblolly boys, forgers and footpads. The political scum of the Irish bogs, Dregs of the English slums, their sweethearts Once more reduced to "tarts"...

1788 turned into 1789 Bats and birds fell dead in the heat But the avant-garde of the Criminal Class Dragging their chains and groaning Like didgeridoos, got Circular Quay Ready for new chums.

And in twill, barathea, serge, linen, gold braid And a cocked hat, Governor Phillips Hero of the English Propertied Class Strolled and fancied a monument To his First Fleet in full sail Fantastic upon the promontory

- from Bloody Oath!