[Editor: This poem by “Banjo” Paterson was published in The Man from Snowy River and Other Verses, 1895; previously published in The Bulletin, 16 December 1893.]
Frying Pan’s Theology
Scene: On Monaro.
Dramatis Personae
Shock-headed blackfellow,
Boy (on a pony).
Snowflakes are falling
Gentle and slow,
Youngster says, ‘Frying Pan
What makes it snow?’
Frying Pan, confident,
Makes the reply —
‘Shake ’im big flour bag
Up in the sky!’
‘What! when there’s miles of it?
‘Surely that’s brag.
‘Who is there strong enough
‘Shake such a bag?’
‘What parson tellin’ you,
‘Ole Mister Dodd,
‘Tell you in Sunday-School?
‘Big feller God!
‘Him drive His bullock dray,
‘Then thunder go;
‘He shake His flour bag —
‘Tumble down snow!’
Source:
Andrew Barton Paterson. The Man from Snowy River and Other Verses, Angus & Robertson, Sydney, 1896 [January 1896 reprinting of the October 1895 edition], pages 86-87
Previously published in: The Bulletin, 16 December 1893
Learned this in school, sixth class 1949.
I learned this in school in late sixties.. still love it. One of my daughter’s and her childrens favourites too.
I learned this in primary school in the early 50’s. was always one of my favourite poems. The sheer innocence of it captured my imagination.
Learnt this in high school. Taught by Mrs Heather Noone. About 1969.
My Grandfather used to recite this poem to us when there was a thunderstorm.
We thought storms were exciting wonderful happenings.