Billy & I – by Dryblower Murphy

Billy and I by Dryblower Murphy A faithful mate of days gone by— A friend of many a far-off track,— And yet you here neglected lie, Battered, old, and black. How oft before I brought you West, I’ve heard you sing and bubble; How oft you’ve shared each tramp and rest And fleeting joy or […]

When the Children Come Home – by Henry Lawson

On a lonely selection far out in the West An old woman works all the day without rest, And she croons, as she toils ‘neath the sky’s glassy dome, `Sure I’ll keep the ould place till the childer come home.’ She mends all the fences, she grubs, and she ploughs, She drives the old horse […]

The Prospector – by Twighlight

Geraldton Express 22 August 1906, page 4 “THE PROSPECTOR.” Here’s a song for the sturdy prospector, For the men who have blazed the track ; For the men who have borne the hardships, And have opened the Fields–Out Back. With a supply that was scant they started . With the pick and the water-bag ; […]

The Swagman Unknown – a verse

The Sun 1 Aug 1915 SWAGMAN UNKNOWN.    Age About 5O.   The body of a swagman was recently found and: buried in the bush out from Coolgardie. His name was unknown, and he was about 50 years of age. In the loose mould Out from Coolgardie Bury an old . Pioneer hardy. Not old. […]

The Old Coolgardie Road – a verse

A FLITTING shadow follows The rushing night express; Dawn shades the eastern hollows And wakes the wilderness. And there across the valley One fleeting moment showed, Between the clump of mallee, The old Coolgardie road! No clouds of dust betoken The old-time roaring days; It keeps a peace unbroken Throughout its winding ways. But when […]