Category Poetry

Frying Pan’s Theology by A. B. “Banjo” Paterson Scene: On Monaro. Dramatis Personae Shock-headed blackfellow, Boy (on a pony). Snowflakes are falling Gentle and slow, Youngster says, “Frying Pan What makes it snow?” Frying Pan, confident, Makes the reply –“Shake… Continue Reading →

Clancy Of The Overflow by A.B. Paterson I had written him a letter which I had, for want of better Knowledge, sent to where I met him down the Lachlan, years ago, He was shearing when I knew him, so… Continue Reading →

A Bush Christening by A. B. “Banjo” Paterson On the outer Barcoo where the churches are few, And men of religion are scanty, On a road never cross’d ‘cept by folk that are lost, One Michael Magee had a shanty…. Continue Reading →

Brumby’s Run by A. B. “Banjo” Paterson Brumby is the Aboriginal word for a wild horse. At a recent trial a New South Wales Supreme Court Judge, hearing of Brumby horses, asked: “Who is Brumby, and where is his Run?”… Continue Reading →

Australia Today 1916 by A. B. “Banjo” Paterson   They came from the lower levels Deep down in the Brilliant mine; From the wastes where the whirlwind revels, Whirling the leaves of pine. On the western plains, where the Darling… Continue Reading →

At The Melting Of The Snow by A. B. “Banjo” Paterson There’s a sunny Southern land, And it’s there that I would be Where the big hills stand, In the South Countrie! When the wattles bloom again, Then it’s time… Continue Reading →

Any Other Time Any Other Time by A. B. “Banjo” Paterson   All of us play our very best game —Any other time.Golf or billiards, it’s all the same —Any other time.Lose a match and you always say,“Just my luck!… Continue Reading →

The Blue Mountains Henry Lawson 1888 Above the ashes straight and tall, Through ferns with moisture dripping, I climb beneath the sandstone wall, My feet on mosses slipping. Like ramparts round the valley’s edge The tinted cliffs are standing. With… Continue Reading →

Andy’s Gone With Cattle by Henry Lawson 1888 Our Andy’s gone to battle now ‘Gainst Drought, the red marauder; Our Andy’s gone with cattle now Across the Queensland border. He’s left us in dejection now; Our hearts with him are… Continue Reading →