Children, go and get your cousins:

Alfred’s children, all of them.

Just consider them your siblings.

I will treat you all the same.

I am taking you to Hatton

For a sea bath.  We will all

March in single file through Grays Farm,

Past the clinic and the school.

Go and bring an empty bottle

For to put sea water in.

Take this rice to Dadda Fernie.

Give these pancakes to the kids.

They’re your cousins, they’re your sisters

And the boy’s your brother, too.

And tonight if it is moonlight

We’ll go visit my nephew.

Monday, we will walk through Bath Lodge.

On to Nineteen we will go

Over to our ground to cut cane.

You tie bundles; the men will throw

Them unto the loco and trailers. 

Nama and I will cook the food

While your cousins fetch pond water

For us to make kiddie stew.

Come here, Niece.  Here is some syrup.

Take this home to your mother.

Tell me if my nephew’s being

Good to Mom, or out of line.

Here’s a custard apple.  Take it.

Here’s a special prayer for you:

May the Lord be with you, always;

And remember I love you.