[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] The Cultured Constable Five nights agone I lay at rest On my suburban couch. My trousers on the bedpost hung, Red gold within their pouch. The twin-gods Law and Order … [Read more...] about The Cultured Constable [poem by C. J. Dennis]
year1918
The Bore [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Other Verses (1913) and Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] The Bore Ah, prithee, friend, if thou hast aught Of love and kind regard for me, Tell not yon bore the stories droll That … [Read more...] about The Bore [poem by C. J. Dennis]
A Song of Rain [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] A Song of Rain Because a little vagrant wind veered south from China Sea; Or else, because a sun-spot stirred; and yet again, maybe Because some idle god in play breathed on … [Read more...] about A Song of Rain [poem by C. J. Dennis]
Hymn of Futility [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] Hymn of Futility Lord, Thou hast given unto us a land. In Thy beneficence Thou has ordained That we should hold a country great and grand, Such as no race of old has ever … [Read more...] about Hymn of Futility [poem by C. J. Dennis]
Weary [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Other Verses (1913) and Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] Weary Aw, I’m sick of the whole darn human race, And I’m sick of this earthly ball; I’m sick of the sight of my brother’s … [Read more...] about Weary [poem by C. J. Dennis]
Timberland [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] Timberland Tell you tales of pleasant cities, where processions never ending Throng the streets at morn and even, while the traffic screams and roars; Where ’tis ever keen … [Read more...] about Timberland [poem by C. J. Dennis]
Hopeful Hawkins [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Other Verses (1913) and Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] Hopeful Hawkins Hawkins wasn’t in the swim at all in Dingo Flat, And to bait him was our chiefest form of bliss; But, in … [Read more...] about Hopeful Hawkins [poem by C. J. Dennis]
’Urry [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Other Verses (1913) and Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] ’Urry Now, Ma-til-der! Ain’t cher dressed yet? I declare, the girl ain’t up! Last as ushul. Move yerself, you sleepy’-ead! Are … [Read more...] about ’Urry [poem by C. J. Dennis]
When the Sun’s Behind the Hill [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Other Verses (1913) and Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] When the Sun’s Behind the Hill There’s a soft and peaceful feeling Comes across the farming hand As the shadows go … [Read more...] about When the Sun’s Behind the Hill [poem by C. J. Dennis]
Sore Throat [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] Sore Throat The pale young man he comes to me, An’ chats me good an’ fair; “That langwidge that you use,” sez he “Pollutes the good clean air. Why don’t you chuck sich … [Read more...] about Sore Throat [poem by C. J. Dennis]
The Homeward Track [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Other Verses (1913) and Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] The Homeward Track Once a year we lumber southward with the clip from Yarradee; Spell the bullocks in the township while we run … [Read more...] about The Homeward Track [poem by C. J. Dennis]
The Joy Ride [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Other Verses (1913) and Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] The Joy Ride Ah Gawd! It makes me sick to think Of what I ’eard an’ seen; Poor ’Arry like a wet rag flung Across the wrecked … [Read more...] about The Joy Ride [poem by C. J. Dennis]
Langwidge [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Other Verses (1913) and Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] Langwidge “The flamin’ cows!” ’e sez; ’e did, an’ worse; ’Twas ’orrible the langwidge that ’e used. It made me blood run cold … [Read more...] about Langwidge [poem by C. J. Dennis]
Grimbles and the Gnad [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] Grimbles and the Gnad It was told me by a bushman, bald and bent, and very old, Upon the road to Poolyerleg; and here’s the tale he told. ’Twould seem absurd to doubt his … [Read more...] about Grimbles and the Gnad [poem by C. J. Dennis]
A Guide for Poits [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918). As with most of his poetry, his “guide for poets” is written in the style of the Australian vernacular.] A Guide for Poits (Compiled by the Sentimental Bloke) I ain’t no … [Read more...] about A Guide for Poits [poem by C. J. Dennis]
The Chase of Ages [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Other Verses (1913) and Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] The Chase of Ages Light of my lives! Is the time not yet? Lo, I’ve brooded on a star Through many a year, with the hope held … [Read more...] about The Chase of Ages [poem by C. J. Dennis]
“Got-a-Fag” [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] “Got-a-Fag” He was tall and tough and stringy, with the shoulders of an axe-man, Broad and loose, with greenhide muscles; and a hand shaped to the reins; He was slow of … [Read more...] about “Got-a-Fag” [poem by C. J. Dennis]
The Lovers [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Other Verses (1913) and Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] The Lovers One idle hour she sought to see Whose image ’twas he cherished so (All fondly certain whose ’twould be), And found — … [Read more...] about The Lovers [poem by C. J. Dennis]
Wheat [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Other Verses (1913) and Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] Wheat “Sowin’ things an’ growin’ things, an’ watchin’ of ’em grow; That’s the game,” my father said, an’ father ought to … [Read more...] about Wheat [poem by C. J. Dennis]
The Builders [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] The Builders Behold, I built a fowlhouse in my yard! Two months ago the great work was begun, And every eventide I labored hard, What time my daily office grind was … [Read more...] about The Builders [poem by C. J. Dennis]
“Paw” [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Other Verses (1913) and Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918). “Paw” is written from the viewpoint of a female socialite.] “Paw” Haw! Ai’ve just obteened a pension for mai Paw. And you should … [Read more...] about “Paw” [poem by C. J. Dennis]
An Old Master [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Other Verses (1913) and Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (1918).] An Old Master We were cartin’ laths and palin’s from the slopes of Mount St. Leonard, With our axles near the road-bed and the … [Read more...] about An Old Master [poem by C. J. Dennis]
Backblock Ballads and Later Verses [by C. J. Dennis, 1918]
[Editor: This book of poems by C. J. Dennis was published in 1918, although many of his works had previously appeared in various periodicals. The majority of the poems included in this volume had appeared in his first book Backblock Ballads and Other Verses (1913); however, that … [Read more...] about Backblock Ballads and Later Verses [by C. J. Dennis, 1918]