Story 410: G’day said the Bunyip

Hi to all! I ADORE the fact you come from all over the world! ADORE! But sometimes I have to throw a shrimp on the barbie, and do an Australian story. Here is a small index, beyond that, feel free to look this stuff up. It is fascinating!

Bunyips; A mythical creature from the Aboriginal Dreamtime that protected, or haunted billabongs, swamps and waterways. Before white settlement, Australia consisted of over 200 Aboriginal nations. Many had their own versions of bunyips as part of their folk law – a feathered seal, etc… My favorite was that is was made from all the marsupial bits.    

“The duck’s guts” ; Something very good, if not the best!
“Bonza!”; Aussie slang for “terrific!” or “awesome!” Sample; “That’s bonza, mate!”

“Oath!”; Bloody oath! “I agree wholeheartedly.”

Witchetty grubs; fat, white Ghost Moth larvae. Great bush tucker, as they are high in protein and can be eaten raw. 

G’day Said the Bunyip
by
Matt Zurbo

I was walking in the bush one day
when I saw a bunyip! It was big and hairy and gave me
quite a fright.

“Hello,” I said to the Bunyip.
To which it replied; “G’day.”

The Bunyip was so large it blotted out the sun.
“I love the gullies here,” I said.

To which it replied;
“Too right, mate!”

“And the waterfalls are a treat,” I said.
“Oath!” it replied.

“I like the wild coast and its
big waves,” I said,
to the Bunyip.

“They’re the DUCK’S GUTS!” it said,
giving me two
thumbs up.

“I like the kangaroos and wallabies and
kookaburras and barn owls,
and glowworms!”
I told it.

“Bonza!” it cheered.

“…Please don’t eat me!” I said.

“Eat you!?” the Bunyip said.
“Ease up! What makes you think that?”

“You’re a mythical Aboriginal creature,
here to protect the waterways,” I said.

“Relax, you drongo,” the Bunyip said.
“You like the things I like. I reckon
we’re right.”

And the Bunyip and I
hung out in the gullies,
and listened to the waves,
and ran, laughing, with the
kangaroos,
and hooted with the barn owls!

And ate witchetty grubs instead.

The End.