The Reformers [poem by Louisa Lawson]

[Editor: This poem by Louisa Lawson was published in “The Lonely Crossing” and Other Poems (1905).]

The Reformers.

We lead the way, we lead the way,
We rise alert to meet each day,
We start the fight, we head the fray,
We lead the way, we lead the way.

We turn the sod, we stir the pool,
We point the way to those who rule.
We cheek the rogue, we chide the fool,
We point the way to those who rule.

We bear reverse, we breast rebuff,
We force a way o’er passes rough,
We stand the kick, we take the cuff,
Till Death’s stern umpire calls “Enough.”

Source:
Louisa Lawson, “The Lonely Crossing” and Other Poems, Sydney: Dawn Office, [1905], p. 13

Editor’s notes:
The line “We point the way to those who rule” appears twice in the poem; apparently this was intentional, as it also appears twice in the same poem in the 1909 edition (p. 13).

breast = ascend, climb, go over the top; to bravely, boldly, or resolutely confront or contend against something; to go against something at breast level (e.g. he breasted the waves), to push or level one’s chest against something (e.g. they breasted the bar), to come up against something at a certain point (e.g. they breasted the bend)

cuff = to hit, especially to strike with an open hand, to slap; to hit someone in a light and playful manner

o’er = (archaic) over (pronounced the same as “oar”, “or”, and “ore”)