The Parish of St Mel’s and Other Verses (John O’Brien 1954)

[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in The Parish of St Mel’s and Other Verses, 1954.] The Pastor of St Mel’s Well now, it’s over forty years, the parish record tells, Since I stepped out with fine ideas promoted to St Mel’s. A coming place, a rising town, … [Read more...] about The Pastor of St Mel’s [poem by John O’Brien, 1954]

[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in The Parish of St Mel’s and Other Verses, 1954.] Himself and Myself We’re yoke mates: I cannot say whether ’Twas chance or design or decree That has thrown us thus closely together, My curate and me. We differ on all … [Read more...] about Himself and Myself [poem by John O’Brien, 1954]

[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in The Parish of St Mel’s and Other Verses, 1954.] Cooney’s Daughter Well, we’ve married Cooney’s daughter with a mighty hullabaloo, And I could wish the lot of them as far as Timbuctoo. Huh! The airs of Cooney’s daughter … [Read more...] about Cooney’s Daughter [poem by John O’Brien, 1954]

[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in The Parish of St Mel’s and Other Verses, 1954.] Sittin’ be the Wall Tickets, seven and a tanner; and the school was decorated By the women of the parish with fal-dal-dums without end: ’Twas the Big Ball of the Season, … [Read more...] about Sittin’ be the Wall [poem by John O’Brien, 1954]

[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in The Parish of St Mel’s and Other Verses, 1954.] Sing Me a Song Sing me a song with the ring of truth in it, Sing me a song with the freshness of youth in it, Chant me a paean of joy; I’m tired of the dirge with … [Read more...] about Sing Me a Song [poem by John O’Brien, 1954]

[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in The Parish of St Mel’s and Other Verses, 1954.] The Kites That We Used To Fly. We flew them high, when the world was ours — for its ways were yet untrod — and they sped to fields of the starry flowers That lie at the … [Read more...] about The Kites That We Used To Fly [poem by John O’Brien, 1954]

[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in The Parish of St Mel’s and Other Verses, 1954.] The Field of the Cloth of Gold Oh, the hireling sun in a slipshod way Is a-slant on the city street, But the heart of him’s back in the bush today And a-tune to the … [Read more...] about The Field of the Cloth of Gold [poem by John O’Brien, 1954]

[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in The Parish of St Mel’s and Other Verses, 1954.] Saffron Thistles They took possession one by one Of every paddock on the run; And round the fire when tea was done — Our potent views expressing — We smoked our pipes … [Read more...] about Saffron Thistles [poem by John O’Brien, 1954]

[Editor: This poem by John O’Brien was published in The Parish of St Mel’s and Other Verses, 1954.] I Come, Dear Lord, Each Morning I come, dear Lord, each morning, And bring my load of cares, That Thy sweet grace, forewarning, Might keep me unawares; Thy sainted ones … [Read more...] about I Come, Dear Lord, Each Morning [poem by John O’Brien, 1954]