[Editor: This poem, by “L. L.”, was published in The Sun, and New South Wales Independent Press (Sydney, NSW), 11 February 1843.] The Ill-Fated. Oh, let me gaze on the beauteous dead: The spell of life hath broken, For brighter joys which around us shed, Deeper sorrows … [Read more...] about The Ill-Fated [poem by L. L., 11 February 1843]
melancholy poetry
Brown Eyes [poem by E. J. Brady]
[Editor: This poem by E. J. Brady was published in Bush-land Ballads (1910).] Brown Eyes This is the ballad of Brown Eyes, sung by a Man of Sin, Saved from the Slough of Despond his soul hath wallowed in. * * * She dwelled with her great-limbed clansmen; I was a … [Read more...] about Brown Eyes [poem by E. J. Brady]
With the Angels [poem by Agnes Neale]
[Editor: This poem by Agnes Neale was published in Shadows and Sunbeams (1890).] With the Angels. My darling! my beautiful darling! So full of the glory of life — So full of the splendor and sweetness With which the strong sunshine is rife. You are lovely, my … [Read more...] about With the Angels [poem by Agnes Neale]
The Bridge of Sighs [poem by Kenneth Mackay]
[Editor: This poem by Kenneth Mackay was published in Stirrup Jingles from the Bush and the Turf and Other Rhymes (1887).] The Bridge of Sighs. Along the bridge the people pass; The river, like dark gloomy Styx, A stream in which each sex and class Who cross must … [Read more...] about The Bridge of Sighs [poem by Kenneth Mackay]
The Stockman’s Offering [poem by Kenneth Mackay]
[Editor: This poem by Kenneth Mackay was published in Stirrup Jingles from the Bush and the Turf and Other Rhymes (1887).] The Stockman’s Offering. Alright, boss! If a yarn I must spin, Leastways it won’t be a cuffer, Although, how this here pitch to begin I don’t … [Read more...] about The Stockman’s Offering [poem by Kenneth Mackay]
Requiescat [poem, 28 October 1905]
[Editor: A poem published in The Record, 28 October 1905.] Requiescat. She was sweeter by far than the flowers of May, And we loved her as passionate lovers, Who live in the light of the beautiful day That love in its blindness discovers. Her music was strange to this … [Read more...] about Requiescat [poem, 28 October 1905]
Araluen [poem by Henry Kendall, 27 September 1879]
[Editor: A poem by Henry Kendall, regarding the death of his baby daughter. Published in The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser, 27 September 1879. It was also published in Songs from the Mountains (1880).] Araluen. Take this rose and very gently place it on the … [Read more...] about Araluen [poem by Henry Kendall, 27 September 1879]
The Lad Who Started Out [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934).] The Lad Who Started Out October and the shining air put wondrous thoughts in him; And he could fight and climb and ride, and he could shoot and swim: The baby was … [Read more...] about The Lad Who Started Out [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
He Sold Himself to the Daisies [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934).] He Sold Himself to the Daisies He stayed too long in the sunlight, He was so thin and shy, He sold himself to the daisies When no one strove to buy. They called … [Read more...] about He Sold Himself to the Daisies [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
The Sacrifice [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919), Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923), and Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934).] The Sacrifice White for the grave, strange-eyed and sable-dressed, Is this my love so quietly doth … [Read more...] about The Sacrifice [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
Fighting in France [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] Fighting in France. Perth daily paper ad.:— “Will some kind person adopt a motherless baby girl? Father killed in France?” Are you list’ning, O, Heavyheart, childless and lone? Are … [Read more...] about Fighting in France [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
The Departed [poem by Menie Parkes]
[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867).] The Departed. Five are gone from us: one, who saw but a few hours of life, and then Was, all unspotted, lifted up to the eternal worlds again: And one, who counted days for hours, tho’ short those days, … [Read more...] about The Departed [poem by Menie Parkes]
Drowned at Sea [poem by Henry Kendall]
[Editor: This poem by Henry Kendall was published in Poems and Songs (1862).] Drowned at Sea. Gloomy cliffs, so worn and wasted with the washing of the waves, Are ye not like giant tombstones round those lonely ocean graves ? Are ye not the sad memorials, telling of a … [Read more...] about Drowned at Sea [poem by Henry Kendall]
Waiting [poem by Agnes L. Storrie]
[Editor: This poem by Agnes L. Storrie was published in Poems, 1909.] Waiting. He stands all day by the paddock rail, With downcast head, and drooping tail, And he looks across to the stable door, And waits for a step that will come no more. The clover blossoms, so … [Read more...] about Waiting [poem by Agnes L. Storrie]
Our Darling’s Lover [poem by Menie Parkes]
[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867). It is a somewhat sad composition about the love between a dying baby and the Angel of Death.] Our Darling’s Lover Death fell in love with our darling fair, With bright blue eyes and shining hair, And … [Read more...] about Our Darling’s Lover [poem by Menie Parkes]
How M’Ginnis Went Missing [poem by Banjo Paterson]
[Editor: This poem by “Banjo” Paterson was published in The Man from Snowy River and Other Verses, 1895; previously published in The Bulletin, 21 September 1889.] How M’Ginnis Went Missing Let us cease our idle chatter, Let the tears bedew our cheek, For a man from … [Read more...] about How M’Ginnis Went Missing [poem by Banjo Paterson]
Lost [poem by Banjo Paterson]
[Editor: This poem by “Banjo” Paterson was published in The Man from Snowy River and Other Verses, 1895; previously published in The Sydney Mail, 19 March 1887.] Lost ‘He ought to be home,’ said the old man, ‘without there’s something amiss. ‘He only went to the Two-mile … [Read more...] about Lost [poem by Banjo Paterson]