[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in Around the Boree Log and Other Verses, 1921.] Said Hanrahan “We’ll all be rooned,” said Hanrahan, In accents most forlorn, Outside the church, ere Mass began, One frosty Sunday morn. The congregation stood … [Read more...] about Said Hanrahan [poem by John O’Brien]
Around the Boree Log and Other Verses (John O’Brien 1921)
Pitchin’ at the Church [poem by John O’Brien]
[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in Around the Boree Log and Other Verses, 1921.] Pitchin’ at the Church On the Sunday morning mustered, Yarning at our ease; Buggies, traps and jinkers clustered Underneath the trees, Horses tethered to the … [Read more...] about Pitchin’ at the Church [poem by John O’Brien]
The Old Mass Shandrydan [poem by John O’Brien]
[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in Around the Boree Log and Other Verses, 1921.] The Old Mass Shandrydan I can see it in my dreaming o’er a gap of thirty years, And the rattle of its boxes still is music in my ears: With a bow to family vanity it rises … [Read more...] about The Old Mass Shandrydan [poem by John O’Brien]
Josephine [poem by John O’Brien]
[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in Around the Boree Log and Other Verses, 1921.] Josephine The presbytery has gone to pot since this house-keeper came; She’s up-to-date and stylish; but the place is not the same Since Death’s hard summons robbed me of … [Read more...] about Josephine [poem by John O’Brien]
Vale, Father Pat [poem by John O’Brien]
[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in Around the Boree Log and Other Verses, 1921.] Vale, Father Pat Yes, that’s the hardest hand at all upon my frosted head — That telegram that brought the news that Father Pat is dead — I cannot grip its message yet; we … [Read more...] about Vale, Father Pat [poem by John O’Brien]
The Helping Hand [poem by John O’Brien]
[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in Around the Boree Log and Other Verses, 1921.] The Helping Hand When that hour comes when I shall sit alone, And ponder on the things that were, but are no more, The while the weird night-breeze’s dirge-like … [Read more...] about The Helping Hand [poem by John O’Brien]
Currajong [poem by John O’Brien]
[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in Around the Boree Log and Other Verses, 1921.] Currajong Old Father Pat! They’ll tell you still with mingled love and pride Of stirring deeds that live and thrill the quiet country-side; And when they praise his … [Read more...] about Currajong [poem by John O’Brien]
The Church upon the Hill [poem by John O’Brien]
[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in Around the Boree Log and Other Verses, 1921.] The Church upon the Hill A simple thing of knotted pine And corrugated tin; But still, to those who read, a sign, A fortress on the farthest line Against the march of … [Read more...] about The Church upon the Hill [poem by John O’Brien]
Peter Nelson’s Fiddle [poem by John O’Brien]
[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in Around the Boree Log and Other Verses, 1921.] Peter Nelson’s Fiddle Do you ever dream you hear it, you who went the lonely track? Do you ever hear its simple melodies Tossing round deserted beaches, with the flotsam … [Read more...] about Peter Nelson’s Fiddle [poem by John O’Brien]
The Kookaburras [poem by John O’Brien]
[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in Around the Boree Log and Other Verses, 1921.] The Kookaburras Fall the shadows on the gullies, fades the purple from the mountain; And the day that’s passing outwards down the stairways of the sky, With its kindly … [Read more...] about The Kookaburras [poem by John O’Brien]
His Father [poem by John O’Brien]
[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in Around the Boree Log and Other Verses, 1921.] His Father We meet him first in frills immersed, By everyone caressed and nursed, A bonny baby — rather! But, though they please his every whim, Fill up his comforts to … [Read more...] about His Father [poem by John O’Brien]
When the Circus Came to Town [poem by John O’Brien]
[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in Around the Boree Log and Other Verses, 1921.] When the Circus Came to Town When the circus came to town With its coaches and four, and its steeds galore, And a band and a painted clown, Out to the road with a shout … [Read more...] about When the Circus Came to Town [poem by John O’Brien]
The Libel [poem by John O’Brien]
[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in Around the Boree Log and Other Verses, 1921.] The Libel “The flowers have no scent, and the birds have no song,” We read in the lesson before us, While carols enchanted came floating along, And lifted our hearts in … [Read more...] about The Libel [poem by John O’Brien]
Six Brown Boxer Hats [poem by John O’Brien]
[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in Around the Boree Log and Other Verses, 1921.] Six Brown Boxer Hats The hawker with his tilted cart pulled up beside the fence, And opened out his wondrous mart with startling eloquence; All sorts of toys for girls and … [Read more...] about Six Brown Boxer Hats [poem by John O’Brien]
The Old Bush School [poem by John O’Brien]
[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in Around the Boree Log and Other Verses, 1921.] The Old Bush School ’Tis a queer, old battered landmark that belongs to other years; With the dog-leg fence around it, and its hat about its ears, And the cow-bell in the … [Read more...] about The Old Bush School [poem by John O’Brien]
The Birds Will Sing Again [poem by John O’Brien]
[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in Around the Boree Log and Other Verses, 1921.] The Birds Will Sing Again She saw The Helper standing near When grief and, care oppressed; “A Great, Big God,” Who wiped the tear, And soothed the aching breast. So, in … [Read more...] about The Birds Will Sing Again [poem by John O’Brien]
The Trimmin’s on the Rosary [poem by John O’Brien]
[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in Around the Boree Log and Other Verses, 1921.] The Trimmin’s on the Rosary Ah, the memories that find me now my hair is turning gray, Drifting in like painted butterflies from paddocks far away; Dripping dainty wings in … [Read more...] about The Trimmin’s on the Rosary [poem by John O’Brien]
Ten Little Steps and Stairs [poem by John O’Brien]
[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in Around the Boree Log and Other Verses, 1921.] Ten Little Steps and Stairs There were ten little Steps and Stairs. Round through the old bush home all day Romping about in the old bush way. They were ten little wild … [Read more...] about Ten Little Steps and Stairs [poem by John O’Brien]
One By One [poem by John O’Brien]
[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in Around the Boree Log and Other Verses, 1921.] One By One With trust in God and her good man She settled neath the spur; The old slab dwelling, spick and span, Was world enough for her; The lamp-light kissed her raven … [Read more...] about One By One [poem by John O’Brien]
The Little Irish Mother [poem by John O’Brien]
[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in Around the Boree Log and Other Verses, 1921.] The Little Irish Mother Have you seen the tidy cottage in the straggling, dusty street, Where the roses swing their censers by the door? Have you heard the happy prattle … [Read more...] about The Little Irish Mother [poem by John O’Brien]
Calling To Me [poem by John O’Brien]
[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in Around the Boree Log and Other Verses, 1921.] Calling To Me Through the hush of my heart in the spell of its dreaming Comes the song of a bush boy glad-hearted and free; Oh, the gullies are green where the sunlight is … [Read more...] about Calling To Me [poem by John O’Brien]
Around the Boree Log [poem by John O’Brien]
[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in Around the Boree Log and Other Verses, 1921.] Around the Boree Log Oh, stick me in the old caboose this night of wind and rain, And let the doves of fancy loose to bill and coo again. I want to feel the pulse of love … [Read more...] about Around the Boree Log [poem by John O’Brien]
Around the Boree Log and Other Verses [by John O’Brien, 1921]
[Editor: This book of poetry, written by “John O’Brien” (Patrick Hartigan), was published in 1921. As there are many older words and phrases in his poems, including quite a few of Irish origin, which may be unfamiliar to many readers, a glossary has been provided.] Around … [Read more...] about Around the Boree Log and Other Verses [by John O’Brien, 1921]