Dryblower’s Verses (Dryblower Murphy 1926)

[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] Tell Us, Little Toad. (A little toad, taken from under the slate and cement at Day Dawn, was estimated by geologists as having been embedded there thousands of years.) Tell us, little … [Read more...] about Tell Us, Little Toad [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]

[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] Beyond. Hushed are the raving, choking cries, The dying groans. A something stark and staring lies Among the stones. The carrion crow full-gutted flies From clean-picked bones. A … [Read more...] about Beyond [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]

[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] The Sport. He wears a yellow hat and buttoned boots, Four more upon his coat-flap and his sleeve; His linen from his laundryman he loots, By racing whoppers he has learned to … [Read more...] about The Sport [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]

[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] The Confession. Don Juan lay dying, as Don Juans do, At the end of their tickle-toe tether; In life he’d indulged in all species of woo In all sorts of seasons and weather. He had … [Read more...] about The Confession [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]

[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] Christmas Camp. The miles are long in Mulgaland, Beyond the beaten pad, Today is Christmas, but no hand Grips mine in greeting glad. Yet, though this stinted meal I make Burlesques … [Read more...] about Christmas Camp [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]

[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] Wot Won the Larst? The tea-bell tinkles on the evening air, The smells of soup and steak and eggs arise; The punter flops into his usual chair And imprecates his luck and someone’s … [Read more...] about Wot Won the Larst? [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]

[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]

[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]

[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]

[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]

[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]

[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]

[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]

[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]

[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]

[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]

[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]

[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]

[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]