year1912

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Red Gums and Other Verses (1912).] Invitation. To a Poet in Town. The Gum-trees look at town, and say: “When, Brother, will you come this way?” The River croons her Vesper-song: “Our Lover, will he now be … [Read more...] about Invitation [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Red Gums and Other Verses (1912).] A Street Fiddler. I play my fiddle. Men pass by Or stare at me with glances cold. I give them joy of earth and sky, And they grow young, as I grow old. Hope, idleness, and sunny … [Read more...] about A Street Fiddler [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Red Gums and Other Verses (1912).] Vagabond. What is the life for a man Since ever time began, But to break away Till breath be done At the end o’ day; To love the sun, And to laugh at the fun, The fun o’ the fair, … [Read more...] about Vagabond [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Red Gums and Other Verses (1912).] A Swagman’s Epitaph. Tho’ by this Coolabah his body lies, He wakes to find that Death’s a grand surprise; Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory, there and back, He’ll tramp it all, and whistle … [Read more...] about A Swagman’s Epitaph [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Red Gums and Other Verses (1912). The poem is written from the viewpoint of someone celebrating the release of a friend from jail.] Jugger. Give the push the office, Pass the ’at erlong, Won’t the Flying Angels ’Ave er … [Read more...] about Jugger [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Red Gums and Other Verses (1912).] Back ter Little Lon. Renie’s left her ’usband — eighteen months aw’y, In ’er cottage, Renie sadly struggled on — Left poor Bill lamentin’, wen she went astr’y, Liker lost sheep … [Read more...] about Back ter Little Lon [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Red Gums and Other Verses (1912).] The Opium Pipe. Upon a mat the Chinese smoker lay Resting his head On bag of straw, beside a wooden tray With quaint bowls spread, And having filled his long-bulbed pipe, he … [Read more...] about The Opium Pipe [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Red Gums and Other Verses (1912).] The Never Never. Beyond the shearing shed, the final station, Beyond the desert sands of desolation Where lost sundowners tramp; Beyond prospector’s tent, and track of drover, Or … [Read more...] about The Never Never [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Red Gums and Other Verses (1912).] The Burnt Gully. The sky is blue, the air is bright, Leaves glint, and waters croon; It is a gully of delight A Summer’s afternoon. And where the track climbs up the hill With … [Read more...] about The Burnt Gully [poem by Louis Esson]

[Editor: This poem by Louis Esson was published in Red Gums and Other Verses (1912).] The Bazaar of Death. (Chant Royal). Where Ganges rolls thro’ worlds of Circumstance, The Lotus, touched with Soma’s falling fire, Sleeps on the water’s jeweled radiance By Kasi’s … [Read more...] about The Bazaar of Death [poem by Louis Esson]