Tom Burnett

                                    Tom Burnett

From one of my latest books, Ballard of Ernie Slow, I bring readers of my blog a little poem entitled Tom Burnett.

These few verses, penned by the late Ernie Slow, could well have passed as a eulogy on this man's death.  They depict the general public’s tribute to Thomas David Burnett’s work with the Downlands Water Scheme, during the time of the Great Depression during the early 1900’s.

T. D. as this man was affectionately known, passed away in November 1941.

His final resting place is at Rock Etam, Mount Cook Station.  A special secluded spot, where he continues his watch over his beloved mountains.

                                   

Tom Burnett

                                   

                                    Beneath Aorangi’s might crown

                                    Where tussocks are golden brown

                                    There lies a hero of renown

                                    Tom Burnett.

                                    He likes the girls who can mend and cook

                                    And at the naughty ones he’d never look

                                    He reads them like an open book

                                    Tom Burnett.

                                    He likes the mountains clothed in trees

                                    To shelter stock from snow and breeze

                                    And dog with either lice, or fleas

                                    Tom Burnett.

                                    Of mountains, he is very fond

                                    Just like a wild duck on a pond

                                    His word alas, ‘tis his bond

                                    Tom Burnett.

                                    So, let him sleep near Aorangi’s crown

                                    And when the world goes upside down

                                    He’ll enter heaven with a frown

                                    Tom Burnett.