[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] The Aliens. They come not as an open foe To loot the land with steel and fire, No barricades to dust they blow, No landmark make a lurid pyre. They bear no bannerette of war: No … [Read more...] about The Aliens [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
Dryblower Murphy (1866-1939) (author)
Booze [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] Booze. (The barque Gwydyr Castle brought spirits and beer equalling 3000 barrels and thirty casks of ginger ale.) Think of it, pals who parch Under a thirsty sky, Think of it, mates … [Read more...] about Booze [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
His Quest [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] His Quest. It was out beyond the Bulong track we met him swagging in, He was middle-aged and ginger, haggard-eyed and famine-thin; And while he munched some damper and a pannikin of … [Read more...] about His Quest [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
Feet! [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] Feet! Feet! Feet! Feet! You can hear them in the street; Feet that trudge the footpaths early Cased in bluchers blunt and burly, Plodding on toward the stable, In the dawn, Long … [Read more...] about Feet! [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
Armistice [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] Armistice. Seconds of silence, heart-beats of sorrow, Seconds that tell of our soldiers asleep; Sleeping till God’s own reveille to-morrow Calls their brave souls from the dust and … [Read more...] about Armistice [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
Mick: To an Old Mate [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] Mick. To An Old Mate. The fire’s gorn down in the parlor grate An’ I’m sittin’ up for awhile, ’Cos I started rememberin’ my old mate — Mick, of the Ninety Mile. I’m wonderin’ … [Read more...] about Mick: To an Old Mate [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
“Thy Will Be Done!” [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] “Thy Will Be Done!” “Thy will be done!” the phrase is sweet And satisfying to the soul, When hard adversity we meet Or shirk the honest gage or goal. “Thy will be done!” the saint … [Read more...] about “Thy Will Be Done!” [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
The Doctor’s Story [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] The Doctor’s Story. “It happened,” said the doctor, “in a hospital out back, He’d been brought to us delirious, found along the Menzies track; Yet he looked, when placed among the … [Read more...] about The Doctor’s Story [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
The Lodes That Under-Lie [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] The Lodes That Under-Lie. O, calm and clear the liar lies Who writes reports on mines: Behold what knowledge deep and wise His legend intertwines. But ah, if he should own the … [Read more...] about The Lodes That Under-Lie [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
In the Sand [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] In the Sand. The tugging railway engines pant Past Karrakatta’s marbled mile; Their pistons pulse, their whistles chant Along the steel and sleepered aisle. Their fierce exhaust the … [Read more...] about In the Sand [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
Out Back: A Message to the Mulga [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] Out Back. A Message to the Mulga. We have toasted ourselves in the city ’Til only the sober remained; With speeches both courtly and witty, A health to the ladies we’ve … [Read more...] about Out Back: A Message to the Mulga [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
Some Girls Ago [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] Some Girls Ago. Some men mark time by Melbourne Cups, When someone’s gee was slow or fast; Some reckon by their downs and ups, The yester-stones they’ve plodded past. Some count it … [Read more...] about Some Girls Ago [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
A List to Port [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] A List to Port. Fathoms deep on the ocean floor, Where sightless stare the dead men’s eyes; A measured mile from the sounding shore The rusting collier’s carcase lies. Merely one of … [Read more...] about A List to Port [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
A Week Away: A Warning to Wives [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] A Week Away. A Warning to Wives. “I’m going down to Harbortown; I’ll be a week away,” Said Mrs. Nib to Mr. Nib a month ago to-day. “I think I’ll take the boy with me; he’s got his … [Read more...] about A Week Away: A Warning to Wives [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
White! [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] White! With a gash in her bows and her screws a-flail She poised for the drowning dive, But never a sea-bronzed face turned pale In that shuddering steel-walled hive. Never a pistol … [Read more...] about White! [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
Gimme the Ground [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] Gimme the Ground. The more that I see about science — Flyin’ and spinnin’ in space — The more I am placin’ reliance Where caution comes into the case. I never was shook on this sky … [Read more...] about Gimme the Ground [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
River [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] River. River, O River, hath menial and master, When shall your coaxing and cruelty cease? To-day we are singing a dirge of disaster, To-morrow a summer-time paean of peace. Mute as a … [Read more...] about River [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
’Is ’Arp [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] ’Is ’Arp. A pommy pea named ’Arry ’Urst, But two years out in Aussie-land, Went on a roarin’, ragin’ burst, Took sick, an’ joined the ’Evenly band. ’Is wife took on, as most wives do … [Read more...] about ’Is ’Arp [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
“Ave Maria” [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] “Ave Maria.” They dragged me out of No Man’s Land. The earth and sky have ceased to reel; I’ve felt the sister’s steady hand, I’ve felt the surgeon’s steadier steel. I’m beat with … [Read more...] about “Ave Maria” [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
Why Can’t the Kids Be Always Young? [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] Why Can’t the Kids Be Always Young? Why can’t the kids be always young? Why must they grow from babyhood To hear life’s sordid stanzas sung; By souls too clearly understood? Why must … [Read more...] about Why Can’t the Kids Be Always Young? [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
Dossin’ Outer Doors [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] Dossin’ Outer Doors. (The President of the London School of Medicine recommends sleeping in the open air). I ain’t a scientific bloke, but spare me dinkum days, If I tumble to this … [Read more...] about Dossin’ Outer Doors [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
My Son [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] My Son. I have given you unto the Empire, You will follow its battle flag; You will hear the sound of slaughter, In valley, on plain and crag. I have taken you out of the … [Read more...] about My Son [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
Foreword [to Dryblower’s Verses, by “Dryblower” Murphy]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] Foreword. I have tried to obtain the best and most comprehensive selection of my verses written during the past 30 years. In doing so I have closely consulted scores of those who say … [Read more...] about Foreword [to Dryblower’s Verses, by “Dryblower” Murphy]
Dryblower’s Verses [by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This book of poems by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in 1926.] Dryblower’s Verses. 1894-1926 Index. [Foreword] Aliens, The Armistice “Ave Maria” [Beyond] Blind, The Booze Bricks of Beer Christmas Camp Confession, The Cooking and Patching … [Read more...] about Dryblower’s Verses [by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
This Bit of the World Belongs to Us [song by “Dryblower” Murphy, circa 1909]
[Editor: A song by “Dryblower” Murphy about the visit of the American fleet to Australia in 1908. Written for the pantomime “Jack & Jill” (1908), this version was based upon his song “We’ve Got a Big Brother in America” (1908). From the sheet music published circa … [Read more...] about This Bit of the World Belongs to Us [song by “Dryblower” Murphy, circa 1909]