[Editor: This poem, by Ruby Jean Stephenson, was published in Eyre’s Peninsula Tribune (Cowell, SA), 18 November 1943.] To Australia. Australia the beautiful child of an empire, Britain has mothered thee, land of the free, Home of the negro, with boomerang, camp … [Read more...] about To Australia [poem by Ruby Jean Stephenson, 18 November 1943]
patriotic poetry
Boys! Listen! The Empire is calling [poem “Australia’s Call” by Irene Jones, 5 August 1915]
[Editor: This poem (or song) by Irene Jones was published in the Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (Mudgee, NSW), 5 August 1915 (during the First World War, 1914-1918).] Boys! Listen! The Empire is calling. The following appropriate and inspiring verses, … [Read more...] about Boys! Listen! The Empire is calling [poem “Australia’s Call” by Irene Jones, 5 August 1915]
Voices of Anzac [song by L. E. Homfray, August 1917]
[Editor: This song by L. E. Homfray was published in The Bush Brother (Dubbo, NSW), August 1917.] Voices of Anzac. Upon the shores of Anzac In many a nameless grave, Australia’s sons are sleeping, Her heroes, true and brave. The call to arms was sounding, And in … [Read more...] about Voices of Anzac [song by L. E. Homfray, August 1917]
How We Landed on Gallipoli Peninsula [poem, 13 July 1915]
[Editor: A poem from the First World War. Published in The Geraldton Guardian (Geraldton, WA), 13 July 1915.] How we landed on Gallipoli Peninsula. (By one of the Third Brigade.) Written at Gallipoli, May 28th, 1915. Do you hear what they say? We are getting … [Read more...] about How We Landed on Gallipoli Peninsula [poem, 13 July 1915]
The Men of Australia [poem, 22 June 1915]
[Editor: A poem with a patriotic theme; written during the First World War. Published in the North-Eastern Advertiser (Scottsdale, Tas.), 22 June 1915.] The Men of Australia. The men from the counter and workshop, The men from the hill and the plain, The men from the … [Read more...] about The Men of Australia [poem, 22 June 1915]
Land of Mine [poem by E. J. Brady]
[Editor: This poem by E. J. Brady was published in Bush-land Ballads (1910).] Land of Mine The Deutscher sings his Rhineland; The Frenchman boasts a vine land; But South there lies a fine land, A Roses-Love-and-Wineland — Australia, land o’ mine. * * * Now have … [Read more...] about Land of Mine [poem by E. J. Brady]
Our Debt of Honour [poem by L. E. H., 11 March 1921]
[Editor: This poem by L. E. Homfray was published in the Darling Downs Gazette (Toowoomba, Qld.), 11 March 1921.] Our Debt of Honour. They died to guard our honour, They died that we might live, And we, in very honour, Our humble homage give. They left their home and … [Read more...] about Our Debt of Honour [poem by L. E. H., 11 March 1921]
Compensation! [poem by L. E. Homfray, 11 November 1921]
[Editor: This poem by L. E. Homfray was published in The Robertson Advocate (Robertson, NSW), 11 November 1921. It was written as a call for adequate and just compensation for Australia’s returned servicemen. This poem is written in a vernacular style.] Compensation! To … [Read more...] about Compensation! [poem by L. E. Homfray, 11 November 1921]
Anzac Crosses [poem by L. E. H., 18 April 1921]
[Editor: This poem by L. E. Homfray was published in The Bundaberg Mail (Bundaberg, Qld.), 18 April 1921.] Anzac Crosses. The following lines were written in reference to a special Anzac Service held in a country parish in New South Wales where the nearest relatives of … [Read more...] about Anzac Crosses [poem by L. E. H., 18 April 1921]
Anzac Day [poem by L. E. Homfray, 23 April 1920]
[Editor: This poem by L. E. Homfray was published in The Southern Mail (Bowral, NSW), 23 April 1920.] Anzac Day. They died to guard our honour — They died that we might live, And we, in very honour, Ungrudgingly must give. They left their home and country And all … [Read more...] about Anzac Day [poem by L. E. Homfray, 23 April 1920]
Australia [poem, 29 May 1947]
[Editor: A child’s patriotic poem. Published in The Western Mail, 29 May 1947.] Australia. Australia how I love you, With your sunny plains. Oh, how I love your rugged hills Your great wide fields of grain. Your animal and bird life, Your flowers of every hue, Your … [Read more...] about Australia [poem, 29 May 1947]
Australia Felix [poem, 8 October 1926]
[Editor: A patriotic poem by Daisy Farrell. Published in The Frankston and Somerville Standard, 8 October 1926.] Australia Felix Australia! My country, my heart fills with rapture, At thought of thy beauty in sunshine or rain. Ah! How can my pen all thy sweet aspects … [Read more...] about Australia Felix [poem, 8 October 1926]
Teach ’Em To Shoot [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] Teach ’Em To Shoot. When you’ve done with your frivol and fooling, Your parlor diversions and games; When your stripling has come from his schooling, Swell-headed with figures and … [Read more...] about Teach ’Em To Shoot [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
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]
Australia Federata [poem by James Lister Cuthbertson, 10 August 1889]
[Editor: A poem by James Lister Cuthbertson. Published in The Australasian, 10 August 1889.] Australia Federata. Dedicated to Brunton Stephens. Australia — land of lonely lake And serpent-haunted fen, Load of the torrent and the fire Of forest-sundered men — Thou … [Read more...] about Australia Federata [poem by James Lister Cuthbertson, 10 August 1889]
Lines on the Discovery of Gold in Australia [poem, 5 January 1852]
[Editor: A poem published in The Sydney Morning Herald, 5 January 1852.] Lines on the Discovery of Gold in Australia. By E. S. Land of Australia! once despised, And shunn’d by men of moral worth, Who shudder’d if thy children dared To tread upon their chaster … [Read more...] about Lines on the Discovery of Gold in Australia [poem, 5 January 1852]
The Birth of Australia [poem by Percy Russell, 1889]
[Editor: A poem by Percy Russell, an English author. This work has been included in several anthologies of poetry. The earliest known appearance of this verse was in 1885.] The Birth of Australia Not ’mid the thunder of the battle guns, Not on the red field of an … [Read more...] about The Birth of Australia [poem by Percy Russell, 1889]
Australian Scenery [poem by Agnes L. Storrie, 27 August 1898]
[Editor: A poem by Agnes L. Storrie. Published in The Chronicle, 27 August 1898. A longer version of this poem, entitled “A Protest”, appears in Poems, by Agnes L. Storrie, published in 1909.] Australian Scenery (By Agnes L. Storrie.) Oh, ye who blame Australia, Who … [Read more...] about Australian Scenery [poem by Agnes L. Storrie, 27 August 1898]
Song for the Departure of the Troops, 1901 [poem by Agnes L. Storrie]
[Editor: This poem by Agnes L. Storrie was published in Poems, 1909.] Song for the Departure of the Troops, 1901. March, march, march, to the call of bugle and fife, Kiss, kiss, kiss, your sweetheart or your wife, Look, look, look at your friends as you pass them … [Read more...] about Song for the Departure of the Troops, 1901 [poem by Agnes L. Storrie]
The Making of a Nation [poem by Agnes L. Storrie]
[Editor: This poem by Agnes L. Storrie was published in Poems, 1909.] The Making of a Nation. Not by rearing fairy arches, Decked with flowers a day shall fade; Not by flinging myriad banners Forth from tower and colonnade; Not by feasts and shows and … [Read more...] about The Making of a Nation [poem by Agnes L. Storrie]
The Nearing Drums [poem by C.J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C.J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Other Verses (1913). Most of the poetry of C.J. Dennis is written in the style of the Australian vernacular. See the Glossary for explanations of words and phrases.] The Nearing Drums. Beside my own … [Read more...] about The Nearing Drums [poem by C.J. Dennis]
Nation Builders [poem by George Essex Evans, 20 May 1898]
[Editor: A poem by George Essex Evans.] Nation Builders. A handful of workers seeking the star of a strong intent — A handful of heroes scattered to conquer a continent. — Thirst and fever and famine, drought, and ruin, and flood, And the bones that bleach on the … [Read more...] about Nation Builders [poem by George Essex Evans, 20 May 1898]
To Australians [poem by Arthur Bayldon, 1905]
[Editor: A poem by Arthur Bayldon.] To Australians The nations take their places Upon the board of Fate, With stern, determined faces And spirits hot with hate. The battle-drums are rattling, War’s shining blades are bared ; My countrymen ! cease prattling — Get … [Read more...] about To Australians [poem by Arthur Bayldon, 1905]
Australia [poem by Agnes Neale, 1888]
[Editor: This poem by Agnes Neale was published in Australian Ballads and Rhymes (1888).] Australia. All the things that have been done, and all the things that are to be; All the wonders wrought on land, and all the wonders on the sea; All the victories of nations, all … [Read more...] about Australia [poem by Agnes Neale, 1888]
Australia [poem by Dorothea Mackellar, 1945?]
[Editor: A poem by Dorothea Mackellar.] “Australia” She is a woman tall and brown And supple as a swaying vine; The blood that races through her veins Is red and fierce like southern wine. Her lazy arms are strong as steel, She has the gladiator’s grace, The … [Read more...] about Australia [poem by Dorothea Mackellar, 1945?]