In David Delaney’s third book Out of Australia he uses both conventional poetry and poetic licence to take us on a journey around a vast land. A journey that introduces us not only to wilderness and wildlife but to the way of Aussie life and to a man who understands what it means to be Aussie through and through.
Formerly from Brisbane but now residing in Cairns, David Delaney is an inspiration to many. Having had limited education, including no formal education in writing, David reached his 50’s and wanted to show others that someone like himself, with no higher schooling, could write about life and his love of the land and enjoy it. In May 2007 David released his first book “My small book of poems”, which was done to gauge the reaction of the public. With an amazing response from the likes of John Williamson and Mel from Sunrise, David was inspired to release his second book “Rhymes of Times”.
David Delaney writes from the soul and from his years of experience traveling extensively with his own removal business. His poetry brings to life the history, vastness, harshness and loveliness of this land called Oz. Out Of Australia is the reality of Australian life, the perils put before us by nature and the joys we share as the seasons pass. It is also the love of family and friends that make this book, the poems of David Delaney, touch the heart and speak to the soul.
In his poem Diggers which can be found on page 69 David is able to catch the thoughts and feelings of an Australian Digger who lays awake in the middle of the night, sweating, fearful, wishing his ‘nighttime in the jungle’ would pass. He captures the heartache and pain of this Digger and the realities of life after returning home.
“ Here I am, awake again, it’s the middle of the night
Lying covered in sweat, heart thumping from the fright
I truly wish they would pass and I no longer see
Nighttime in the jungle, another fight with the VC...”
And who doesn’t remember Cracker Night? That night when not that long ago kids alike caused havoc with those crackers, scaring neighbours, blowing up letterboxes and leaving little girls screaming. In his poem ‘Cracker Night’ on page 119 David takes his readers down that memory lane.
“I want to tell a story so let me set the scene
T’was some time ago, before “the chasers” and their team...”
Out of Australia by David Delaney has a poem for everyone and for every Aussie occasion. I found myself relaxing, reading, laughing and became engrossed in times long forgotten. Still today, weeks after reading the entire book, I find myself pulling it off the shelf and reading a poem or two. I couldn’t say I have a favourite, they all tell their own little story of the good old Aussie life. David Delaney and his poems show the ‘fair dinkumness’ of the Aussie way. He writes with genuine Aussie spirit, allowing the larrikin in him to shine. There is also the serious side to David Delaney but this blends well with the larrikin, giving balance and truth to his poetry and life.
For those with a love of poetry in their heart or for those who simply want to explore a little bit of the Aussie culture and be taken to places long forgotten, Out of Australia will not only educate but have you pondering Australia’s way.
Five out of five David Delaney for bringing Australia to life in a fair dinkum Aussie way!
ISBN: 978-061546780-1
Available at selected online bookshops or from David by emailing info@davidjdelaney.com
review: Jennifer Deaves
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