[Editor: A poem by Henry Lawson, written in support of the trade union movement. Published in The Worker (Wagga Wagga, NSW), 3 April 1913.] Too Old to Rat. I don’t care if the cause be wrong, Or if the cause be right — I’ve had my day and sung my song And fought the … [Read more...] about Too Old to Rat [poem by Henry Lawson, 3 April 1913]
labour poetry
A War Song [by Caleb, 22 October 1892]
[Editor: This pro-union song was published in The Worker (Brisbane, Qld.), 22 October 1892.] A War Song. Rise! Australian sons of Labour, Hearken to the bugle’s bray, Buckle on your shield and sabre, Gird you for the fray. Burst the Tyrant’s chains asunder Which … [Read more...] about A War Song [by Caleb, 22 October 1892]
The Australian Empire [poem by Marcus Clarke, 2 May 1876]
[Editor: A poem by Marcus Clarke. Published in The Narracoorte Herald, 2 May 1876. Previously published in The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 22 April 1876.] The Australian Empire. The subjoined address, which was composed by Mr. Marcus Clark, was delivered at the Theatre … [Read more...] about The Australian Empire [poem by Marcus Clarke, 2 May 1876]
The Keening [poem by Marie E. J. Pitt]
[Editor: This poem by Marie E. J. Pitt was published in The Horses of the Hills and Other Verses (1911).] The Keening. We are the women and children Of the men that mined for gold: Heavy are we with sorrow, Heavy as heart can hold; Galled are we with injustice, Sick … [Read more...] about The Keening [poem by Marie E. J. Pitt]
Reveille [poem by Marie E. J. Pitt]
[Editor: This poem by Marie E. J. Pitt was published in The Horses of the Hills and Other Verses (1911).] Reveille. Up! comrades, up! the night has flown, The dawn breaks dim and grey! The bugle-call of strife has blown! Arm! arm you for the fray! O’er hills which … [Read more...] about Reveille [poem by Marie E. J. Pitt]
Why Poppies Are Red [poem, 11 November 1921]
[Editor: A poem published in The Daily Herald, 11 November 1921.] Why Poppies Are Red. (By Digger’s Dad.) Recent cables tell of over a million unemployed in Great Britain alone, including a quarter of a million ex-service men, some of whom are pawning their medals, … [Read more...] about Why Poppies Are Red [poem, 11 November 1921]
Review and Resolve [poem, 9 April 1940]
[Editor: A poem by R.J. Cassidy. Published in The Worker (Brisbane), 9 April 1940.] Review and Resolve Labor Journalist Wins Jubilee Poem Competition In New South Wales, where Labor is celebrating its Golden Jubilee, it was decided to hold a Jubilee Labor Poem … [Read more...] about Review and Resolve [poem, 9 April 1940]
“Another Fall of Earth” [poem by Grant Hervey]
[Editor: This poem by Grant Hervey was published in Australians Yet and Other Verses, 1913.] “Another Fall of Earth” “Another heavy fall of earth occurred yesterday in the western cross-cut of the Golden Cat Proprietary Mine, killing three men who were stopping there.” — … [Read more...] about “Another Fall of Earth” [poem by Grant Hervey]
The Sweater’s Dream [poem by Grant Hervey]
[Editor: This poem by Grant Hervey was published in Australians Yet and Other Verses, 1913.] The Sweater’s Dream The Sweater slept, and — in the hours when all the world lies calm and still — He dreamed high Heaven’s vasty powers were trained to do his sweaty will. He … [Read more...] about The Sweater’s Dream [poem by Grant Hervey]
Ballad of the Drums [poem by Grant Hervey]
[Editor: This poem by Grant Hervey was published in Australians Yet and Other Verses, 1913.] Ballad of the Drums Lo ! the thresher-drums are booming ’mid the hills at early morning — ’Tis the wheat that’s rolling mill-ward in a tawny, yellow stream ! Near the dawn our … [Read more...] about Ballad of the Drums [poem by Grant Hervey]
A Last Word [poem, 30 March 1901]
[Editor: This poem is from the “Editorial Mill” column, published in The Worker (Brisbane, Qld.), 30 March 1901. The poem was a call to vote for the Labor Party and a White Australia in the first federal election in Australia (held on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 March … [Read more...] about A Last Word [poem, 30 March 1901]