The Back of Beyond
“We’re going on a holiday.
We’re packing bags and GOING AWAY!
‘Away from it all’ in a camper-van.”
That’s how Dad announced his plan.
“Away from it all! Far out!” I said.
But Dad just grinned and raised his head
and muttered “Yes! exactly so.
The Back of Beyond is where we’ll go.”
“How long does it take to get to Beyond?”
I asked, but when he didn’t respond
I asked if there’d be other stops
along the way. Would there be shops
to buy some food? And would there be
interesting things to do and see?
“Away from it all!” How could Dad
think that was fun? Had he gone mad?
‘Beyond’ was not on any map.
Was this plan some kind of trap?
I told him: “Dad, I want to know
About this trip, or I won’t go.”
He promised lots to see and do:
A locust plague in Bugaboo
Kangaroo pies in Pinnaroo
Dingoes howling in Orrorooooooooooo….
DAD! What are you trying to do?
Names like that just can’t be true—
You’ve made them up, haven’t you.
I’m staying here in Woolloomooloo!
© Kate O’Neil http://www.kateoneil.com.au
The above poem was placed second in the 2011 Toolangi CJ Dennis competition
Australian Children’s Poetry 
Good fun and a great twist! Particularly liked the dingoes howling in Orrorooooooo!
Our three daughters always turned into dingoes whenever they saw Orroroo signs on road trips. Good memories.
This is a great fun poem, but also deceptively very skilled. I enjoyed the progression of the narrator’s thoughts, the character of Dad – and of course the twist… Lovely word-play, especially in ‘Orrorooooooooooo’ but also in the other town names. Lots to admire here.. Congratulations Katie!
Thanks Wendy. There are so many Australian place names to have fun with. Aren’t we lucky!
What a fab poem – fun to read too!
Thanks Ramona. I’m pleased you enjoyed it.
Love it Kate
Thank you Pat.