I got a letter today
Postmarked my country
Knew the scribble
Ringer wrote in charcoal

Million acres of cattle roaming
Ringer taught me how to ride
Always wore his blue shirt
Boss gave him, before he died

His charcoal from the fire
Became his only pen
Still, I could read him
So long ago, my cheery friend

He was droving cattle
Down the mighty Murray
His horse bolted
Ringer lost his balance

Aboriginal stockmen amazing
This time Ringer gave his leg
Caught in the stirrup
He rode no more

He wrote about his woman
His children loved him so
Ringer my friend
Rest your weary head

I bought him some pencils
Colours of our land
Sent them up by post
My special friend