|
In this article Glenys Rowe, publisher at finepoets.com discusses the 90th anniversary of the death of Henry Lawson, arguably Australia’s greatest writer. The ninetieth anniversary of the death of Henry Lawson is on September 2 this year. Wouldn’t it be great if Australians made it the occasion for a national commemorative event? This is the man who wrote short stories like The Drover’s Wife and The Loaded Dog and poems like Second Class Wait Here and After All. His poems are as relevant today as they were ninety years ago. Look at the words to After All: it was written as part of his courting of the young woman who was to become his wife. A man often beset with depressive thoughts, finds reason to be optimistic in the arms of a woman he loves. It has a definite post coital air to it! The brooding ghosts of Australian night have gone from the bush and town; My spirit revives in the morning breeze, though it died when the sun went down; The river is high and the stream is strong, and the grass is green and tall, And I fain would think that this world of ours is a good world after all. The light of passion in dreamy eyes, and a page of truth well read, The glorious thrill in a heart grown cold of the spirit I thought was dead, A song that goes to a comrade's heart, and a tear of pride let fall -- And my soul is strong! and the world to me is a grand world after all! Let our enemies go by their old dull tracks, and theirs be the fault or shame (The man is bitter against the world who has only himself to blame); Let the darkest side of the past be dark, and only the good recall; For I must believe that the world, my dear, is a kind world after all. It well may be that I saw too plain, and it may be I was blind; But I'll keep my face to the dawning light, though the devil may stand behind! Though the devil may stand behind my back, I'll not see his shadow fall, But read the signs in the morning stars of a good world after all. Rest, for your eyes are weary, girl -- you have driven the worst away -- The ghost of the man that I might have been is gone from my heart to-day; We'll live for life and the best it brings till our twilight shadows fall; My heart grows brave, and the world, my girl, is a good world after all. This poem and others by Henry Lawson, can be found on the CD The Poems of Henry Lawson read by iconic Australian actor Jack Thompson, published by www. finepoets.com Australian Poetry Henry Lawson After All
Related Articles -
After All, Henry Lawson, Australian Poetry,
|
