year1935

[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in The Singing Garden (1935).] The Bronzewing Pigeon They say I am a shy, wild thing, That seeks the wild bush glade, Quick to be gone on whirring wing, Where strangers should invade; But well I know what all birds know … [Read more...] about The Bronzewing Pigeon [poem by C. J. Dennis]

[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in The Singing Garden (1935).] The Black Cockatoo In laboured flight above the gums, Calling its harsh, discordant cry, Our dark, funereal cortège comes To rest a while in tree tops high; Then, flashing many a sable … [Read more...] about The Black Cockatoo [poem by C. J. Dennis]

[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in The Singing Garden (1935).] The Currawong I am the cunning one. My shrewd white eye, Peeping from out some hidden harbour green, Watches your household. Patiently I spy Until I learn by heart its whole … [Read more...] about The Currawong [poem by C. J. Dennis]

[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in The Singing Garden (1935).] The Blue Wren When the Mighty Craftsman drew Summer sky and summer sea — Tints ethereally blue — Here and there a small drop flew From His brush, and fell on me. Once a sober bird of … [Read more...] about The Blue Wren [poem by C. J. Dennis]

[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in The Singing Garden (1935).] The Tree I planted here, to-day, a strong young tree. Rich soil it has, and sun, and space to grow; And who, I wonder, in the years to be Will seek its boughs’ soft shade; for well I … [Read more...] about The Tree [poem by C. J. Dennis]

[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in The Singing Garden (1935).] Winter Now golden days of autumn are no more. Down on the forest ruthless Winter frees — First with far rumblings, waxing to a roar — His shouting winds that riot thro’ the trees, Raging … [Read more...] about Winter [poem by C. J. Dennis]

[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in The Singing Garden (1935).] The Wonga Pigeon Men knew and loved my calling in old days — Days ere a bitter wisdom taught me fear. Trusting and unafraid, I went my ways By many a crude hut of the pioneer; Calling by … [Read more...] about The Wonga Pigeon [poem by C. J. Dennis]

[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in The Singing Garden (1935).] The Yellow-tailed Thornbill I’m a fussy little fellow In my kilt of glowing yellow; As about the garden ways I bow and bend, Many a melody I bring to you In the soft, gay songs I sing to … [Read more...] about The Yellow-tailed Thornbill [poem by C. J. Dennis]

[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in The Singing Garden (1935).] The Indian Myna Gimme the town an’ its clamour an’ clutter; I ain’t very fond of the bush; For my cobbers are coves of the gardens and gutter — A tough metropolitan push. I ain’t never too … [Read more...] about The Indian Myna [poem by C. J. Dennis]

[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in The Singing Garden (1935).] Starlings There’s something in Australian air, Something about Australian sun That reputations one time fair Fall from us, and we are undone. Gay, carefree chatterers at Home, Pert … [Read more...] about Starlings [poem by C. J. Dennis]

[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in The Singing Garden (1935).] The Sparrow I’m a chirpie little chappie. Pertly vulgar, passing vain, Quarrelsome, yet piping, happy, My monotonous refrain. Foraging by shed and stable, Close camp-follower of … [Read more...] about The Sparrow [poem by C. J. Dennis]

[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in The Singing Garden (1935).] The Ground Thrush I’m a business man; and I can’t spare time For this fluting and fussing and frilling. The song of my cousin may be sublime, But I never have found it filling. So I run … [Read more...] about The Ground Thrush [poem by C. J. Dennis]

[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in The Singing Garden (1935).] The Blue Kingfisher Where the little river gleaming Thro’ its shadows, green and cool, Broadens to the quiet dreaming Of a little shady pool; There an azure jewel burning O’er the waters … [Read more...] about The Blue Kingfisher [poem by C. J. Dennis]

[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in The Singing Garden (1935).] The Butcher Bird I might charm you with my song, Could you but forget my trade, Where I pipe the autumn long In some bowered wattle glade — Pipe a rollicking refrain Such as Circe might … [Read more...] about The Butcher Bird [poem by C. J. Dennis]

[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in The Singing Garden (1935).] The White Cockatoo They count me but a common bird, Unworthy of respect, Who see me chained, with mien absurd Striving to croak some alien word Of some strange dialect; A captive robbed … [Read more...] about The White Cockatoo [poem by C. J. Dennis]

[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in The Singing Garden (1935).] The Crimson Parrot In the quiet noonday heat Creeping high aloft Nimbly, on prehensile feet, Calling very soft; Else, among the seeding grass, Feeding by a tree Where the soft cloud … [Read more...] about The Crimson Parrot [poem by C. J. Dennis]

[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in The Singing Garden (1935).] The Silver-eye Down among the strawberries, Up among the plums, Cheeping in the cherry-tree When early autumn comes, In our silver spectacles And sober olive suits. We’re very, very … [Read more...] about The Silver-eye [poem by C. J. Dennis]

[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in The Singing Garden (1935).] The Magpie Lark By lagoons and reedy places, Where the little river races, By the lips of dreaming pools Where the soothing water cools Many a verdant slope and hollow, Here my blithesome … [Read more...] about The Magpie Lark [poem by C. J. Dennis]

[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in The Singing Garden (1935).] First Frost Now comes an end to quiet autumn days And to frail loveliness. In the still night Cold death has crept along the garden ways To wrap at last about each blossom bright Its … [Read more...] about First Frost [poem by C. J. Dennis]

[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in The Singing Garden (1935).] Indian Summer Winter had come to frown a little while, And bluster from his skies of sodden grey, Until bland Autumn, with a cheerful smile, Chased him into the dark hills far … [Read more...] about Indian Summer [poem by C. J. Dennis]