Almanac Poetry: Harmsy of the Almanac (with apologies to Banjo)

 

Revisiting The Footy Almanac Grand Final Eve Lunch 2024

 

When Luke McNamara and John Dumaresq landed The Barossa Tour, with a generous bid which showed their support for The Footy Almanac, they had plans which included a road trip, pub visits, winery visits, fine dining and plenty more. Along with their partners, Amanda and Tracey, they had such a good time, Luke found his inner-Banjo and wrote about it, a poem which captured the extended weekend.  Luke penned the poem to be read at the 2024 Grand Final Lunch to stir up the auction. And it did the trick.

[Many thanks to you Luke and John and partners for your support – JTH]

 

 

 

 

 

Harmsy of the Almanac

 

with apologies to Banjo Paterson

 

 

I had written him a letter which I had for want of better knowledge sent

to where I met him down the North Fitzroy Arms, a decade or so back.

He was writing when I knew him, so I sent the letter to him,

Just “on spec”, addressed as follows: “Harmsy of the Almanac”.

 

 

And an answer came directed, in a writing unexpected,

(And I think the same were written after’a session at the bar)

‘Twas Percy Jones who wrote it, and verbatim I will quote it:

“Harmsy’s gone to South Australia, and we don’t know where he are.”

 

 

Vineyards and farms? Visions come to me of Harms

Gone scribing in the Barossa where the Lutherans congregate

Ideas in his head, inspired with a cheeky Rockford red,

Back in Melbourne-town, my brain cannot relate

 

 

In a fried-out Kombi, I picked up my mate JD

And we headed west to the land of grapes and vines

To sip and to wander, round a place they called Tanunda

Which I’m pretty sure means bogan, food and wines

 

 

We get there Friday night, manage to avoid the fight

Between the locals at The Clubhouse where we stay

Up in time for brunch, then the wineries after lunch

From Seppeltsfield to David Franz we stray.

 

 

Then Harmsy meets us draggin’, in his Brady Bunch station wagon

And he takes us all to Rockford, for a tour and tasty soak.

It’s goin’ down real nice, and I pretend to taste the spice,

And the pepper, tanins, butter, jam and oak.

 

 

Basket Press Shiraz, the winner, at the 1918 Bistro for dinner

And the dessert to finish off, a total must.

We all trade doubtful stories, of former sporting glories

Next mornin’ need to shake off a little dust

 

 

On a weekend that required pacing, we’re better for the racing

Getting away from Melbourne is the cure.

Hands up for a great cause, and enjoy the great outdoors

On Harmsy’s magical mystery winery tour.

 

Luke McNamara

 

 

 

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