[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Other Verses (1913) and Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] The Joy Ride Ah Gawd! It makes me sick to think Of what I ’eard an’ seen; Poor ’Arry like a wet rag flung Across the wrecked … [Read more...] about The Joy Ride [poem by C. J. Dennis]
poetry
Langwidge [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Other Verses (1913) and Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] Langwidge “The flamin’ cows!” ’e sez; ’e did, an’ worse; ’Twas ’orrible the langwidge that ’e used. It made me blood run cold … [Read more...] about Langwidge [poem by C. J. Dennis]
Grimbles and the Gnad [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] Grimbles and the Gnad It was told me by a bushman, bald and bent, and very old, Upon the road to Poolyerleg; and here’s the tale he told. ’Twould seem absurd to doubt his … [Read more...] about Grimbles and the Gnad [poem by C. J. Dennis]
A Guide for Poits [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918). As with most of his poetry, his “guide for poets” is written in the style of the Australian vernacular.] A Guide for Poits (Compiled by the Sentimental Bloke) I ain’t no … [Read more...] about A Guide for Poits [poem by C. J. Dennis]
The Chase of Ages [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Other Verses (1913) and Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] The Chase of Ages Light of my lives! Is the time not yet? Lo, I’ve brooded on a star Through many a year, with the hope held … [Read more...] about The Chase of Ages [poem by C. J. Dennis]
“Got-a-Fag” [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] “Got-a-Fag” He was tall and tough and stringy, with the shoulders of an axe-man, Broad and loose, with greenhide muscles; and a hand shaped to the reins; He was slow of … [Read more...] about “Got-a-Fag” [poem by C. J. Dennis]
The Lovers [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Other Verses (1913) and Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] The Lovers One idle hour she sought to see Whose image ’twas he cherished so (All fondly certain whose ’twould be), And found — … [Read more...] about The Lovers [poem by C. J. Dennis]
Wheat [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Other Verses (1913) and Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] Wheat “Sowin’ things an’ growin’ things, an’ watchin’ of ’em grow; That’s the game,” my father said, an’ father ought to … [Read more...] about Wheat [poem by C. J. Dennis]
The Builders [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] The Builders Behold, I built a fowlhouse in my yard! Two months ago the great work was begun, And every eventide I labored hard, What time my daily office grind was … [Read more...] about The Builders [poem by C. J. Dennis]
“Paw” [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Other Verses (1913) and Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918). “Paw” is written from the viewpoint of a female socialite.] “Paw” Haw! Ai’ve just obteened a pension for mai Paw. And you should … [Read more...] about “Paw” [poem by C. J. Dennis]
An Old Master [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Other Verses (1913) and Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] An Old Master We were cartin’ laths and palin’s from the slopes of Mount St. Leonard, With our axles near the road-bed and the … [Read more...] about An Old Master [poem by C. J. Dennis]
Trouble on the Selection [poem by Henry Lawson]
[Editor: This poem by Henry Lawson was published in Short Stories in Prose and Verse (1894) and Verses Popular and Humorous (1900).] Trouble on the Selection. You lazy boy, you’re here at last, You must be wooden-legged; Now, are you sure the gate is fast And all the … [Read more...] about Trouble on the Selection [poem by Henry Lawson]
A Derry on a Cove [poem by Henry Lawson]
[Editor: This poem by Henry Lawson was published in Short Stories in Prose and Verse (1894) and in Verses Popular and Humorous (1900).] A Derry on a Cove. ’Twas in the felon’s dock he stood, his eyes were black and blue; His voice with grief was broken, and his nose was … [Read more...] about A Derry on a Cove [poem by Henry Lawson]
When the Children Come Home [poem by Henry Lawson]
[Editor: This poem by Henry Lawson was published in Short Stories in Prose and Verse (1894) and In the Days When the World Was Wide and Other Verses (1896).] When the Children Come Home On a lonely selection far out in the west An old woman works all the day without … [Read more...] about When the Children Come Home [poem by Henry Lawson]
The Legend of Coo-ee Gully [poem by Henry Lawson]
[Editor: This poem by Henry Lawson was published in Short Stories in Prose and Verse, 1894.] The Legend of Coo-ee Gully. The night came down thro’ Deadman’s Gap, Where the ghostly saplings bent Before a wind that tore the flies From many a digger’s tent. Dark as … [Read more...] about The Legend of Coo-ee Gully [poem by Henry Lawson]
The Fire at Ross’s Farm [poem by Henry Lawson]
[Editor: This poem by Henry Lawson was published in Short Stories in Prose and Verse (1894) and In the Days When the World Was Wide and Other Verses (1896).] The Fire at Ross’s Farm The squatter saw his pastures wide Decrease, as one by one The farmers moving to the … [Read more...] about The Fire at Ross’s Farm [poem by Henry Lawson]
Johnson, alias Crow [poem by Henry Lawson]
[Editor: This poem by Henry Lawson was published in Short Stories in Prose and Verse, 1894. Lawson based this poem upon a true story.] Johnson, alias Crow Where the seasons are divided and the bush begins to change, and the links are rather broken in the Great Dividing … [Read more...] about Johnson, alias Crow [poem by Henry Lawson]
The Swagman’s Rest [poem by Banjo Paterson]
[Editor: This poem by “Banjo” Paterson was published in The Man from Snowy River and Other Verses, 1895.] The Swagman’s Rest We buried old Bob where the bloodwoods wave At the foot of the Eaglehawk; We fashioned a cross on the old man’s grave For fear that his ghost … [Read more...] about The Swagman’s Rest [poem by Banjo Paterson]
Jim Carew [poem by Banjo Paterson]
[Editor: This poem by “Banjo” Paterson was published in The Man from Snowy River and Other Verses, 1895.] Jim Carew Born of a thoroughbred English race, Well proportioned and closely knit, Neat, slim figure and handsome face, Always ready and always fit, Hardy and … [Read more...] about Jim Carew [poem by Banjo Paterson]
Under the Shadow of Kiley’s Hill [poem by Banjo Paterson]
[Editor: This poem by “Banjo” Paterson was published in The Man from Snowy River and Other Verses, 1895.] Under the Shadow of Kiley’s Hill This is the place where they all were bred; Some of the rafters are standing still; Now they are scattered and lost and … [Read more...] about Under the Shadow of Kiley’s Hill [poem by Banjo Paterson]
Come-by-Chance [poem by Banjo Paterson]
[Editor: This poem by “Banjo” Paterson was published in The Man from Snowy River and Other Verses, 1895; previously published in The Bulletin, 21 March 1891.] Come-by-Chance As I pondered very weary o’er a volume long and dreary — For the plot was void of interest — … [Read more...] about Come-by-Chance [poem by Banjo Paterson]
The Great Calamity [poem by Banjo Paterson]
[Editor: This poem by “Banjo” Paterson was published in The Man from Snowy River and Other Verses, 1895; previously published in The Bulletin, 19 August 1893.] The Great Calamity MacFierce’un came to Whiskeyhurst When summer days were hot, And bided there wi’ Jock … [Read more...] about The Great Calamity [poem by Banjo Paterson]
How the Favourite Beat Us [poem by Banjo Paterson]
[Editor: This poem by “Banjo” Paterson was published in The Man from Snowy River and Other Verses, 1895; previously published in Rosehill Race Book, 9 November 1894.] How the Favourite Beat Us ‘Aye,’ said the boozer, ‘I tell you it’s true, sir, ‘I once was a punter with … [Read more...] about How the Favourite Beat Us [poem by Banjo Paterson]
A Bush Christening [poem by Banjo Paterson]
[Editor: This poem by “Banjo” Paterson was published in The Man from Snowy River and Other Verses, 1895; previously published in The Bulletin, 16 December 1893.] A Bush Christening On the outer Barcoo where the churches are few, And men of religion are scanty, On a road … [Read more...] about A Bush Christening [poem by Banjo Paterson]
Those Names [poem by Banjo Paterson]
[Editor: This poem by “Banjo” Paterson was published in The Man from Snowy River and Other Verses, 1895; previously published in The Bulletin, 20 September 1890.] Those Names The shearers sat in the firelight, hearty and hale and strong, After the hard day’s shearing, … [Read more...] about Those Names [poem by Banjo Paterson]