We were just first wed
Moved in our very own home
Free as little birds
Some friends lived not far
In a small rented cottage
with dunny outside
Their rooms were damp and
Outhouse had a toxic smell
Much like fiery hell
Often we played cards
But when at their house it was
Best to shun that loo
For night soil men came
Notorious in those days
For their sloppy work
And “is it tonight?”
Always our plaintive plea when
Nature made her call
Dunny - Australian term for outhouse toilet
Image found at www.missourifolkloressociety.truman.edu
Oh, good one! I can see the alarmed anxious faces of the young people in this poem.
ReplyDeleteI've always found outhouses to be a bit terrifying. My grandfather, though, used his until he died in 1994, even after installing a modern bathroom in the 1950s to please his wife and children.
ReplyDeleteFun poem/memory! I actually have some fond memories of outhouses from camp and cabins ...
ReplyDeleteAh the good ole dunny! Thank goodness we don't have them anymore!
ReplyDeleteLOL My aunt had an outhouse when I was little
ReplyDeleteOh my - i have phobia on this kind of toilets. i dont know but i feel unsafe lol
ReplyDeletethanks for the smile Robin.
So funny to me, as my aunt had an outhouse. When we went there to visit I had to hold it until my eyes were floating to keep from having to use the privy.
ReplyDeletei love this poem for all the bad memories of days gone by
ReplyDeletei was wondering about the meaning of 'dunny' then saw it at the bottom...in spite of all this dunny problems:) the old world was no less charming.."Often we played cards"...just imagine how much leisure you had...hmm heavenly i think...
ReplyDeleteI don't fancy that - snakes in the loo and all...shudder...i think i'd hold it to morning!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a girl ours was in the pasture. Grandpa built it from cinderblocks. Once I got stuck in it for about an hour cause, Curly, the mean bull stayed in the path. That was one thing I promised myself about growing up- I would have indoor plumbing!
ReplyDeleteSuch tension related to going to the bathroom. Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteWell written, great reference to the old methods of clean up.
ReplyDeleteFunny, I touched on an outside dunny, obliquely, too.
ReplyDeleteO, those interesting details and a new word too. Still they are in the town, when any road works or just general feast. ~ Fun memory.
ReplyDeleteGood one. I'd be hesitant too, to use that dunny.
ReplyDeleteWe had one of these when we first came to Finland, fitted with shelves for books and papers, and a note-pad hung on the wall in which to record any thoughts we might have whilst using the place. Damned cold in winter, which is why the top of the seat was fitted with Styrox padding.
ReplyDeleteLong drops are still used in many parts of rural Australia.
ReplyDelete