Page 11 - eMuse Vol.9 No.11

Mary Ann
Bugg

The Captain’s Lady

By “Doc” Bland THE BETTY OLLE
POETRY AWARD 2020
The story needs telling of how Mary Ann
Could ride like a stockman, 1st David Campbell Aireys Inlet Vic “The Heart of
And that she was blessed with a beautiful face Darkness”
That came from her being a child of mixed race.
Her Mother had taught her the skills of the bush, 2nd Catherine Lee Mona Vale NSW “Stolen”
Her father, a convict, the craft of The Push. HC Brenda Joy Charters Towers Qld “Imitation Eagles”
And though she gave birth many times in her life,
She joined the bushrangers as Thunderbolt’s wife. HC Max Merckenschlager Murray Bridge SA “The Women
Walkers of Hahndorf’
While Mary Ann Bugg’s not an eminent name,
Her exploits helped bring Captain thunderbolt fame, HC Terry Norwood Bowral NSW “Currying Favour”
As he was dependant on her for his safety. HC Ross Rolley Cairns Qld “While we await
Astute and resourceful was his “Captain’s Lady”. the Rain”
In public, well dressed, she would freely parade C Tom McIlveen Port Macquarie NSW
While scouting each setting for Thunderbolt’s raid. “Old Man Drought”
She kept watch for danger and purchased supplies.
Suspicion would not spoil the Captain’s surprise. C Terry Piggott Lynwood WA “The Love of her Life”
And Mary Ann’s bushcraft was put to great use C Kevin Pye Mudgee NSW “I Regret to Advise”
To find food and shelter while fleeing the noose
As she and the Captain hid from a pursuit, C Brenda Joy Charters Towers “Too Ancient to Bleed”
Ensuring their safety, securing their loot.
But then he was captured and locked in a cell C Peter O’Shaughnessy Eaton WA “I Came Across a
On Cockatoo Island, a shark-guarded hell. Shearing Shed”
So Mary Ann swam out to help him break free
From his chains and they both escaped to liberty.
The Betty Olle
Then after five years, as the Liverpool Plains
And New England bore witness to their bold campaigns, Junior Poetry Award 2020
She gathered the children and went her own way.
Soon afterward, Thunderbolt met his last day.
Police chased and fatally shot Thunderbolt 1st Penny Mason Kyabram VIC “Who I become in
Somewhere near Uralla — it was his own fault the Bush”
As he had been drinking, his judgement impaired,
A shoot-out for which he was quite unprepared. 2nd Evelyn Browne Kyabram VIC “Six States and
Two Territories”
For Mary Ann, though, it seems justice was blind,
Three instants arrested but set free each time. HC Layne Warde Kyabram VIC “My Australian
Outliving the Captain, she married and then, Place”
Found work as nurse when left widowed again.
Now Mary Ann Bugg lies in peace and at rest HC = Highly Commended
In Mudgee where her headstone cannot attest C = Commended
Her role as bushranger or that thrilling life
As the Captain’s Lady — as Thunderbolt’s wife.
© Doc Bland 2020
November 2020 eMuse 11