Our Andy's gone to battle now
'Gainst Drought, the red marauder;
The first two lines of the poem have the purpose of introducing the reader to the universe where Andy leaves, a dangerous world where Andy must fight against a dangerous predator. Draught is seen in this poem as a marauder, a person who travels from place to place with no other intention than to destroy everything in its path. Andy must fight against this deadly enemy and try to survive both for his sake and for his family’s.
Oh, who shall cheek the squatter now
When he comes round us snarling?
This quote mentions another role fulfilled by Andy. Apart from being a provider and making sure that his family had enough money, the men during those times were also protectors of the families they came from. For the families living outside the urban areas, everyday life was filled with dangers coming from wild animals or people who would rob those who lived isolated. The head of the families had the role of protecting the other members and making sure that the family had everything they needed.
Poor Aunty's looking thin and white;
And Uncle's cross with worry;
And poor old Blucher howls all night
This quote shows the effect Andy’s departure had on his family. The Aunt and Uncle mentioned representing the family left behind worry about their relative who was forced to leave his family. This also shows how the families of those who went away droving were affected and the challenges they had to face.
