Bells and Bees: Verses (Louis Esson 1910)

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Bells and Bees: Verses (1910).] Nomad Chant To E. J. Brady The Spring wind, brother, With marching music blows. Calling to one another, Children of the Mother, We go where the wind goes. New thoughts prick … [Read more...] about Nomad Chant [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Bells and Bees: Verses (1910).] Brogan’s Lane There’s a crack in the city — down that sharp street In couples, and armed, tramp rossers on beat. Like a joss, silhouetted across the pane A Chinese face watches down … [Read more...] about Brogan’s Lane [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Bells and Bees: Verses (1910).] The Fisher Vatea went fishing (he dwelt afar In the land of Aviki where marvels are.) He baited his hook with the evening star. The star quivered under the waves, and wrought Magical … [Read more...] about The Fisher [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Bells and Bees: Verses (1910).] Magpies I hear the cry of the magpies joyously gushing Over the morning, The carolling slogan of magpies, like a rill rushing, And sorrow scorning. Magpies, fill up my heart with the … [Read more...] about Magpies [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Bells and Bees: Verses (1910).] A Spring Morning The sky is blue and sunny, Busy the wild bee thrums, Now manna-dew and honey Spill o’er from old red gums. The bush gleams fresh and dewy To lure her stragglers … [Read more...] about A Spring Morning [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Bells and Bees: Verses (1910).] The Travail of Nature The thunder storm’s drums and trumpets, the champing of surging seas, The rustle of reeds at twilight, the sobbing plaint of the rain, Wild winds that shriek in the … [Read more...] about The Travail of Nature [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Bells and Bees: Verses (1910).] Evening Hymn to Krishna Call on the Lord! Cows leave the byre And milk pails foam. The sunset’s fire Kindles the gopis’ wild desire To feel they kiss, and thrum Cymbals, and clash their … [Read more...] about Evening Hymn to Krishna [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Bells and Bees: Verses (1910).] An Assyrian Cast A vase, a verse, a plaster cast Preserves an empire of the past. The palace falls; a graven stone Rebuilds the walls of Babylon. A wingèd bull-god’s … [Read more...] about An Assyrian Cast [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Bells and Bees: Verses (1910).] Silenus to a Young Satyr (Suggested by a Picture of Botticelli) First, you will tread ripe grapes which bursting gleam And bubble, oozing in pale purple stream. Huge flagons you will … [Read more...] about Silenus to a Young Satyr [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Bells and Bees: Verses (1910).] The Kookaburra When Time first opened her dim eyelids Before the Age of Joy, Before the Sphinx or the Pyramids, Before the Siege of Troy, And before the Alcheringa sighed, In … [Read more...] about The Kookaburra [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Bells and Bees: Verses (1910).] Cradle Song Baby, O baby, fain you are for bed, Magpie to mopoke busy as the bee; The little red calf’s in the snug cow-shed, An’ the little brown bird’s in the tree. Daddy’s gone … [Read more...] about Cradle Song [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Bells and Bees: Verses (1910).] Whalin’ Up the Lachlan A Landowner’s Song I’ve eaten bitter bread In sweat wrung from my brow; And earth-bent, hunger-gripped Scarred hands on axe and plough. Now, when the sun is … [Read more...] about Whalin’ Up the Lachlan [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Bells and Bees: Verses (1910).] A Camel Driver Where the Never Never Sands of Fate unroll Phantom lake and river, Mirage of the soul, There a camel driver gropes in vain endeavour. Mecca-ward he sets Swart face, … [Read more...] about A Camel Driver [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Bells and Bees: Verses (1910).] Wild Bees At peep o’ dawn, when the world is still, Hear the magpies calling! We leave our hut upon the hill, Hear the magpies calling! The soil’s unbroken by the plough From gully … [Read more...] about Wild Bees [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Bells and Bees: Verses (1910).] Sunset-Track I hate cramped streets and factory smoke In towns where man but buys and sells, The piston’s thud, the engine’s croak, And sweated labor’s heavy stroke That beats to clang … [Read more...] about Sunset-Track [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Bells and Bees: Verses (1910).] The Mother The late Spring blooms. The teeming earth Yields fruits and flowers on hill and plain. Along the myrtle track I wait To watch the drovers pass again. Love, once he said, made … [Read more...] about The Mother [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Bells and Bees: Verses (1910).] Spring Cattle With bells the bush tinkles, Men shout, hard hoofs rattle. Spring sharpens the nostrils Of winter-wild cattle. (O the Spring-quickened earth Warm breaths, and birds’ … [Read more...] about Spring Cattle [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Bells and Bees: Verses (1910).] The Old Black Billy an’ Me The sheep are yarded, an’ I sit Beside the fire an’ poke at it. Far from talk an’ booze o’ men Glad, I’m glad I’m back agen On the station, wi’ me traps An’ … [Read more...] about The Old Black Billy an’ Me [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Bells and Bees: Verses (1910).] Golden Gully One gleaming sheet the town of tents Across the gully spread. With axe and pick the ranges rang, Wild earth was torn and bled. From far strange lands the diggers … [Read more...] about Golden Gully [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Bells and Bees: Verses (1910).] The Shearer’s Wife Before the glare o’ dawn I rise To milk the sleepy cows, an’ shake The droving dust from tired eyes. I set the rabbit traps, then bake The children’s bread. There’s … [Read more...] about The Shearer’s Wife [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Bells and Bees: Verses (1910).] The Splitter Back in the bush Unbroken, the splitter Hews stroke on stark stroke Thro’ blackbutts and blue gums. Man, the Destroyer! Man, Master-Builder! The axe flashes. Savage … [Read more...] about The Splitter [poem by Louis Esson]