The WA Bush Poets and Yarn Spinners Association's aim is simply to stimulate a continuing enthusiasm and interest in the unique written and performing art of Bush Poetry and Yarn Spinning.

The term "Bush Poetry" more reflects the origin of the art form rather than the actuality.  Bush Poetry, or more correctly "Australian Rhyming Poetry" covers far more than rural topics. Among its many facets you will also come across poems dealing with contemporary and political issues, day to day living, relationships,  nature,  and almost any other topic you can think of.  The over-riding feature of all of them is that they have an Australian theme (this includes universal subjects) and MUST have very good and consistent rhyme and rhythm.  

The term "Bush Poetry" stems from the fact that in our early colonial times, many people, in particular those living and working in rural areas (and this was a significant percentage of the population) were unable to read and write and many of the stories of the times, both true and fanciful were put into rhyming verse (and sometimes song) so as to make them both relatively easy to remember and to relate to others.  Many of the poems were topical and related to political, industrial and social events which were occurring at the time.  Many of these poems and songs have now disappeared into obscurity, whilst others have lost their original political or social significance, probably the most famous of these being our National Song "Waltzing Matilda".  Whilst almost every Australian can sing the song, few know of its socio-political  origins.

The actual term "Bush Poetry" is believed to have originated during the 1930s during which time trends in popular poetry (and other art forms) were for the more unstructured styles.  Some poets were still writing in the style of the old Masters of the 1890 - 1920s era and in order to differentiate these from the more modern poets (whose work largely lacked consistent Rhyme and Rhythm) the "Bush Poetry" label was applied - It was appropriate at the time as the vast majority of  the subject of these poems was about living in a past era when more people lived and worked in the bush than in the cities and major towns.   

During the latter 19th and early 20th Centuries, there were many poets who's work has become a major part of our  rich cultural history.  Two names, (A.B. (Banjo) Paterson and Henry Lawson) stand out from the others, mainly due to the quantity of  poetry that they produced.  While other poets were less prolific, their work was just as significant.   

One major influence in Australian poetic history was the Sydney Weekly newspaper, "The Bulletin".  in 1889, its then editor and principal owner, Mr. J Archibald made a decision to open his pages to stories and poetic contributions from members of the public.  This decision was to have far reaching consequences, for it inspired many poets whose work would otherwise have never been published.  It also influenced other newspapers of the times to open their pages to "non-professional" writers.

After World War 1, due to various social influences, rhyming poetry gradually declined  in its popularity.  It was considered by some to be a "lesser form" of the literary arts.  Literary commentators and academics tended to dismiss poets working in this  genre as "balladeers" and "popularists" rather than "true poets".  These attitudes persisted and still exist today in some circles.   The  "common man" however, continued to read and enjoy the works of the rhyming poets, for they told a story, or painted a word picture that needed little interpretation.

In the latter part of the 20th century, rhyming poetry, once again, increased in popularity, particularly among  older members of the population.   In recent years there has been an upsurge of people once again finding enjoyment and fulfillment in performing and writing this style of poetry.  Throughout Australia, there are now many organisations whose aim, like that of the WA Bush Poets, is to foster community interest for people of all ages in this aspect of our culture.   As part of this, there are now many competitions at all levels in which both writers and performers pit their skills and talents against each other for the honour of becoming their District, State or  National Champion.  Competitions generally cater for both the writer and performer of contemporary poetry, both serious and humorous as well as retaining a significant element of performing the traditional or classic Australian rhyming verse from earlier times.   

As well as organised  Bush Poetry events, travelers in our vast land often find themselves being part of an audience for  impromptu performances at such places as caravan parks, bush camps, country races and festivals, local fundraising event and any other place  where local or traveling poets and yarn spinners find themselves, for most Bush Poets are only too willing to recite their poems and tell their stories to any available appreciative audience. 

Miscellaneous info:  -  Beware Frauds and Foul Mouths -  members listed on our "Poets" page or recommended by our organisation are all performers of high standard and integrity, their poetry is generally suitable for all,  however, please be aware  that some Bush Poetry, including that of an earlier time does contain some mild coarse language and reference to bodily functions.   Should you be employing a poet and have any concerns regarding this issue, please discuss it with the performer prior to the performance.  

While there are many Bush poets of high standard who are not members of our organisation, unfortunately, there are also some  individuals  calling themselves Bush Poets who do not have  either the standard of  performance or ethics that our organisation considers suitable.  If in doubt, please contact a committee person who will endeavour to determine the suitability of unlisted people.

Membership and Contact Information

Membership is $15 per annum for an individual or $20 for a couple / family.  Membership includes a monthly newsletter, "The Bully Tin", reduced entry fee to our monthly muster and to some other events.  Membership also provides performing and writing members with the opportunity to include their profile, (including for sale products) on this website and to be promoted should enquiries come from the public. Members also are able to put samples of their poems on this website and so inform the public of their style of verse. Some Assn. equipment may be available for performing members to hire at rates substantially below commercial rates.

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