C.J. Dennis published Backblock Ballads and Other Verses in 1913, but it did not sell very well; however, twenty-one of its poems were included in his later book, Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (along with an additional sixteen poems), published in 1918, which achieved great … [Read more...] about A comparison of the Backblock Ballads books by C.J. Dennis
Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (C. J. Dennis 1918)
The Austra——laise [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). In Backblock Ballads and Other Verses it was published under the title of “A Real Australian Austra—laise”. The missing word in this poem, … [Read more...] about The Austra——laise [poem by C. J. Dennis]
The Minglers [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] The Minglers I hold by stern morality, Despite the worldlings’ scoffing; But when I sit beside the sea And gaze into the offing The bathers, mingling on the beach, Stir … [Read more...] about The Minglers [poem by C. J. Dennis]
Vulgar Fractions [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] Vulgar Fractions Now, when Bill, the pick and shovel man, or Archibald, the clerk, Undertakes to sell the labour of a day, Then, for certain hours he works between the … [Read more...] about Vulgar Fractions [poem by C. J. Dennis]
K’shoo [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] K’shoo (A Rhybe wridded for The Gadfly) Whed your dose is code as barble, Ad you sduffle all the day, Ad your head id is behavig Id a bost unbleased way; When your ev’ry … [Read more...] about K’shoo [poem by C. J. Dennis]
The Bridge Across the Crick [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 Bridge Across the Crick Joseph Jones and Peter Dawking Strove in an election fight; And you’d think, to hear them … [Read more...] about The Bridge Across the Crick [poem by C. J. Dennis]
The Little Homes [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] The Little Homes We have heard the cheering, brothers, We have heard the martial peal; We have seen the soldiers marching And the glint of sun on steel. We have heard the … [Read more...] about The Little Homes [poem by C. J. Dennis]
The March [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 March In early, prehistoric days, before the reign of Man, When neolithic Nature fashioned things upon a plan That was large … [Read more...] about The March [poem by C. J. Dennis]
Work or Reflection [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] Work or Reflection Now, I always have preserved a certain attitude Quite definite in reference to Work — (’Tis futility concealing That I have the Weary Feeling And … [Read more...] about Work or Reflection [poem by C. J. Dennis]
The Philistine [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] The Philistine Smith is a very stupid man; He lives next door to me; He has no settled scheme or plan Of domesticity. He does not own a gramophone, Nor rush for morning … [Read more...] about The Philistine [poem by C. J. Dennis]
The High Priest [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 High Priest Nay, why do foolish politicians strive To win a fleeting popularity? In vain, in vain, they jealously … [Read more...] about The High Priest [poem by C. J. Dennis]
Cow [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).] Cow Aw, go write yer tinklin’ jingle, an’ yer pretty phrases mingle, Fer the mamby-pamby girl, all fluffy frill an’ shinin’ … [Read more...] about Cow [poem by C. J. Dennis]
The Silent Member [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 Silent Member He lived in Mundaloo, and Bill McClosky was his name, But folks that knew him well had little knowledge of that … [Read more...] about The Silent Member [poem by C. J. Dennis]
Son of a Fool [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).] Son of a Fool Gyved and chained in his father’s home, He toiled ’neath a conqueror’s rule; Bowed to the earth in the land of his … [Read more...] about Son of a Fool [poem by C. J. Dennis]
The Boon of Discontent [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] The Boon of Discontent Once an anthropoidal ape, Hairy, savage, strange of shape, On a day that was excessively B.C., In a forest damp and dim, With his tail round a … [Read more...] about The Boon of Discontent [poem by C. J. Dennis]
My Poor Relation [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).] My Poor Relation I have a poor relation, but He never troubles me. He’s bowed with care; he wears an air Of abject … [Read more...] about My Poor Relation [poem by C. J. Dennis]
The Cultured Constable [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] The Cultured Constable Five nights agone I lay at rest On my suburban couch. My trousers on the bedpost hung, Red gold within their pouch. The twin-gods Law and Order … [Read more...] about The Cultured Constable [poem by C. J. Dennis]
The Bore [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 Bore Ah, prithee, friend, if thou hast aught Of love and kind regard for me, Tell not yon bore the stories droll That … [Read more...] about The Bore [poem by C. J. Dennis]
A Song of Rain [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] A Song of Rain Because a little vagrant wind veered south from China Sea; Or else, because a sun-spot stirred; and yet again, maybe Because some idle god in play breathed on … [Read more...] about A Song of Rain [poem by C. J. Dennis]
Hymn of Futility [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] Hymn of Futility Lord, Thou hast given unto us a land. In Thy beneficence Thou has ordained That we should hold a country great and grand, Such as no race of old has ever … [Read more...] about Hymn of Futility [poem by C. J. Dennis]
Weary [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).] Weary Aw, I’m sick of the whole darn human race, And I’m sick of this earthly ball; I’m sick of the sight of my brother’s … [Read more...] about Weary [poem by C. J. Dennis]
Timberland [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] Timberland Tell you tales of pleasant cities, where processions never ending Throng the streets at morn and even, while the traffic screams and roars; Where ’tis ever keen … [Read more...] about Timberland [poem by C. J. Dennis]
Hopeful Hawkins [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).] Hopeful Hawkins Hawkins wasn’t in the swim at all in Dingo Flat, And to bait him was our chiefest form of bliss; But, in … [Read more...] about Hopeful Hawkins [poem by C. J. Dennis]
’Urry [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).] ’Urry Now, Ma-til-der! Ain’t cher dressed yet? I declare, the girl ain’t up! Last as ushul. Move yerself, you sleepy’-ead! Are … [Read more...] about ’Urry [poem by C. J. Dennis]
When the Sun’s Behind the Hill [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).] When the Sun’s Behind the Hill There’s a soft and peaceful feeling Comes across the farming hand As the shadows go … [Read more...] about When the Sun’s Behind the Hill [poem by C. J. Dennis]