ASF Poetry Thread

[2020hindsight]

there once was a man from nantucket lol :goodnight
Hey pacer, big job coming up in Tauranga - $500 million worth of bridges and stuff - btw nothing to do with investment in ASX

By the way - did you like the story (post #197) of Galileo and his assistant - standing on hills 1 mile apart flashing at each other - Bludy Italians- never change.lol

 

[2020hindsight]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jgf2FeEe0sI&mode=related&search=

HAVE YOU BEEN TO JAIL FOR JUSTICE
©2000 Anne Feeney (BMI)

Was it Cesar Chavez or Rosa Parks that day?
Some say Dr. King or Ghandi
Set them on their way
No matter who your mentors are
It’s pretty plain to see
That if you’ve been to jail for justice
You’re in good company

Have you been to jail for justice?
I want to shake your hand
‘Cause sitting in and laying down
Are ways to take a stand
Have you sung a song for freedom
Or marched that picket line?
Have you been to jail for justice?
Then you’re a friend of mine

You law abiding citizens
Come listen to this song
Laws are made by people
And people can be wrong
Once unions were against the law
But slavery was fine
Women were denied the vote
While children worked the mine
The more you study history
The less you can deny it
A rotten law stays on the books
‘til folks with guts defy it!

Have you been to jail for justice?
I want to shake your hand
‘Cause sitting in and laying down
Are ways to take a stand
Have you sung a song for freedom
Or marched that picket line?
Have you been to jail for justice?
Then you’re a friend of mine

Well the law is supposed to serve us
And so are the police
When the system fails
It’s up to us to speak our piece
We must be ever vigilant
For justice to prevail
So get courage from your convictions
Let ‘em haul you off to jail!

Have you been to jail for justice?
I want to shake your hand
‘Cause sitting in and laying down
Are ways to take a stand
Have you sung a song for freedom
Or marched that picket line?
Have you been to jail for justice?
Then you’re a friend of mine
Have you been to jail for justice
Have you been to jail for justice
Have you been to jail for justice
Then you’re a friend of mine

 

[2020hindsight]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu8JFzSdHn8 = tonite , west side story (relative amateurs)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEY1-v3i98w&mode=related&search= pofessionals (Placido Domingo, Julia Migenes )

The following extract fromWestSide Soryincludes some of this song, but not exact match.
http://www.seeklyrics.com/lyrics/West-Side-Story/Tonight.html

ANITA Anita's gonna get her kicks Tonight.
We'll have our private little mix Tonight.
He'll walk in hot and tired, So what?
Don't matter if he's tired, As long as he's hot Tonight!

TONY Tonight, tonight, Won't be just any night,
Tonight there will be no morning star.
Tonight, tonight, I'll see my love tonight.
And for us, stars will stop where they are.
Today The minutes seem like hours, The hours go so slowly,
And still the sky is light . . . Oh moon, grow bright, And make this endless day endless night!

RIFF I'm counting on you to be there Tonight.
When Diesel wins it fair and square Tonight.
That Puerto Rican punk'll Go down. And when he's hollered "Uncle" We'll tear up the town!
(RIFF, TONY, and MARIA sing simultaneously)
RIFF So I can count on you, boy?
TONY All right.
RIFF We're gonna have us a ball.
TONY All right.
RIFF Womb to tomb!
TONY Sperm to worm!
RIFF I'll see you there about eight.

PS post #115 also refers
TYPICAL OLD FASHIONED LOVE AFFAIR - 16th CENTRURY.

they Met in their teens when the world was green, and their Heads were impetuous yet,
and the Sad forebodings to them unseen, of Montague and Capulet,
and it Grew from fling to zing to keen, to Flames of eternal debt,
till those Flaming brothers intervene, on behalf of the the Gang and the Jet. etc etc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8kQN5MmrFc&mode=related&search= =last scene of west side story

 

[2020hindsight]

Here are a few songs and links associated with the Olympic movement. (and by inference, multiculturalism). Great ideals - but I suspect some of these ideals only surface every 4 years . (PS Most of these clips are only worth 20 or 30 seconds worth of viewing - with the possible exception of the 2000 Special Olympics. ......watch all 40 seconds of this one!.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sd3anxVMgZY&mode=related&search= kids at 1996 Atlanta Olympics

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poSEND5N_lk = 2000 sydney
“family of children, we come from many different lands" A lousy song to listen to but the lyrics are pretty unambiguous on the subject of tolerance etc.

UNDER SOUTHERN SKIES (Nikki Webster)
Lyrics by Maria Millward, Music by Damien Halloran

There's a peace in our hearts and a hope in our hands,
We're the family of children; we come from many different lands.
Our time is just beginning; our race is yet to run,
But if you will take us with you, then we have already won.

Chorus: Under the southern skies, Together in this land,
Every voice in celebration, A family hand in hand!
Under the southern skies, As one we rise,
And turn our eyes to see, All the wonder of the future
In a world of harmony.

There's a great spirit rising from the desert to the sea.
As it sweeps across this southern land it calls to you and me:
We're the dreamers and the dreaming; we're the face of things yet to come.
Every child can be a hero if our world can live as one.

Chorus:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y9k-U67FNg&mode=related&search= =they make you feel different, Special Olympics 2000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q0yhOPO510&mode=related&search= athens 2004

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqdwdYV2F0I = 2006 winter Olympics

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xhxh3expV10&mode=related&search= chinese Olympics 2008

 

[2020hindsight]

A KIND RELEASE AMONGST FRIENDS

we’re Gathered here, my final test, to let me hold your hand,
one Final heartbeat in a breast that’s brave but undermanned,
I’ve Lost all strength, my mortal soul can’t face this savage land,
- I’ve Seen God through this portal hole unmanned,
- how Fast my footing sinks, how quick the sand.

we’re Gathered here, no more no less, to watch my curtain draw,
my Soul seeks haven from this mess, these whips that leave it raw,
a Gentler place where slopes are easy, walking’s not a chore,
- my Knees are tired of crawling cross THIS floor,
- i See a roadway west, and mercy’s law.

they Say that men are thankful when our wings take off at last,
they Say that its more tranquil when our standard flies half mast,
but Please my friends, no flags for me, no tears, no cannon blast,
- i Smile to think of days of laughter past ,
- just Think of me some times - when reel is cast.

just Think of me when you - perhaps - do things we used to do,
or When we walked through life’s strange maps – or how to tie your shoe,
or How we used to watch the stars - or maybe make a brew ,
- or Maybe when you advertise for crew,
- i’ll Be there should you need a tip or two.

i’m Dying here much prouder, flanked by friends - I’ve made my peace,
and Heaven’s call is louder, thanks, this merciful release,
i’m Passing through these clouds and banks of cumulus and fleece,
- now Flanked by friends, soon flanked by winter geese,
- and Pure white doves with halos in the breeze.

i Watched the sunrise dawning – but I can’t do that a-gen,
there’s Something bout the morning – when the pain is ten times ten,
and Add to that the conscience pains I cause to fellow men,
- how Many lives can my life here upend,
- though Friends like you are oak that never bend.

i Heard the laughing kookaburra - farmer’s dawn refrain,
but Couldn’t plough my crooked furrow – though you took the strain,
i’m Fitted now with wings of love, and taken off the chain ,
- you’re Free my Clydesdale friends, take off your rein,
- i Move on now to find a higher plain.

i Love you folks, I love your jokes, I love your salty eyes,
i’ve Loved my life, with all its strife, to Hell with shy goodbyes!
FAREWELL my friends, here’s luck, adieu, where I go peace will lie,
- and When we meet again in time, I’ll try
- to Recall all the jokes I’ve learnt on high.

Yes, surely, I’ll run into you, in time,
and surely then we’ll laugh again – sublime.

 

[constable]

A KIND RELEASE AMONGST FRIENDS

we’re Gathered here, my final test, to let me hold your hand,
one Final heartbeat in a breast that’s brave but undermanned,
I’ve Lost all strength, my mortal soul can’t face this savage land,
- I’ve Seen God through this portal hole unmanned,
- how Fast my footing sinks, how quick the sand.

we’re Gathered here, no more no less, to watch my curtain draw,
my Soul seeks haven from this mess, these whips that leave it raw,
a Gentler place where slopes are easy, walking’s not a chore,
- my Knees are tired of crawling cross THIS floor,
- i See a roadway west, and mercy’s law.

they Say that men are thankful when our wings take off at last,
they Say that its more tranquil when our standard flies half mast,
but Please my friends, no flags for me, no tears, no cannon blast,
- i Smile to think of days of laughter past ,
- just Think of me some times - when reel is cast.

just Think of me when you - perhaps - do things we used to do,
or When we walked through life’s strange maps – or how to tie your shoe,
or How we used to watch the stars - or maybe make a brew ,
- or Maybe when you advertise for crew,
- i’ll Be there should you need a tip or two.

i’m Dying here much prouder, flanked by friends - I’ve made my peace,
and Heaven’s call is louder, thanks, this merciful release,
i’m Passing through these clouds and banks of cumulus and fleece,
- now Flanked by friends, soon flanked by winter geese,
- and Pure white doves with halos in the breeze.

i Watched the sunrise dawning – but I can’t do that a-gen,
there’s Something bout the morning – when the pain is ten times ten,
and Add to that the conscience pains I cause to fellow men,
- how Many lives can my life here upend,
- though Friends like you are oak that never bend.

i Heard the laughing kookaburra - farmer’s dawn refrain,
but Couldn’t plough my crooked furrow – though you took the strain,
i’m Fitted now with wings of love, and taken off the chain ,
- you’re Free my Clydesdale friends, take off your rein,
- i Move on now to find a higher plain.

i Love you folks, I love your jokes, I love your salty eyes,
i’ve Loved my life, with all its strife, to Hell with shy goodbyes!
FAREWELL my friends, here’s luck, adieu, where I go peace will lie,
- and When we meet again in time, I’ll try
- to Recall all the jokes I’ve learnt on high.

Yes, surely, I’ll run into you, in time,
and surely then we’ll laugh again – sublime.

Nice one 2020 brought a tear to my eye.

 

[2020hindsight]

Met this Kiwi poet/songwriter, techhead, computer whizkid, happens to have a Degree in Theology. Has produced a CD with 13 exceptional songs - Bludy genius - really good lyrics, and great songs as well. Here’s one of the simple ones.

WHAT IS GOOD
Copyright Tim Page

Take him out the back and shoot him!
he’s adMitted that he’s done some wrong
but reMember as you pull the trigger
That you’ve done the same thing all along.

Legislation says that we can stone her
so That’s what we’re gonna do
it Doesn’t matter that we’re all
Guilty of the same thing too.

he has Shown you what is good
and what He would advise of you
to Treat them justly, to show his mercy
with a Measure of humanity too.

Checking out the spec in your eye
stop Looking at the plank in mine
I Only want to see you, I can show you
I can show you where you’re out of line

Waiter there’s a fly in my soup
but the Camel I don’t really mind
to See it would be to concede
This is just a case of the Blind leading the blind.

he has Shown you what is good
and what He would advise of you
to Treat them justly, to show his mercy
with a Measure of humanity too.

 

[2020hindsight]

I posted this on the lyrics thread - but just in case you missed it
THIS is a case where the moral of the story whacks you between the eyes - and yet not a word is spoken

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfQMJtilOGg = steven bradbury

 

[2020hindsight]

Latin proverbs.

I wonder how you'd translate " today I did a Bradbury" into Latin
or maybe
"when youre down in trouble and your shares are heading south - and nothin , nothin is goin right - just close your eyes, and pray for a bradbury"

btw, Ducati (if you get around to reading this) - howdy I'd be interested to know what that latin means .. "Multa renascentur quae iam cecidere, cadentque Quae nunc sunt in honore" .

Speaking of Latin quotes , I'd invite anyone to post mottos etc.

There's one I like (from memory).. something about ..."fortes fortunes aduuvaat" - but I'm bound to have misspelt it, and spellcheck just went into meltdown, ..."fortune favours the brave."

I give it 50-50 chance of actually being true in life, lol. But I like the concept. If ever I'm brave - eg with a stock purchase - and it doesn't pay off - then I take comfort in the fact that it wouldve worked if only I was buying shares in the Latin stock exchange.

The one that I DO know works in life is "luckamus fortunes aduuvaat" ... which means "fortune favours the lucky"

 

[new girl]

Latin proverbs.

I wonder how you'd translate " today I did a Bradbury" into Latin
or maybe
"when youre down in trouble and your shares are heading south - and nothin , nothin is goin right - just close your eyes, and pray for a bradbury"

btw, Ducati (if you get around to reading this) - howdy I'd be interested to know what that latin means .. "Multa renascentur quae iam cecidere, cadentque Quae nunc sunt in honore" .

Speaking of Latin quotes , I'd invite anyone to post mottos etc.

There's one I like (from memory).. something about ..."fortes fortunes aduuvaat" - but I'm bound to have misspelt it, and spellcheck just went into meltdown, ..."fortune favours the brave."

I give it 50-50 chance of actually being true in life, lol. But I like the concept. If ever I'm brave - eg with a stock purchase - and it doesn't pay off - then I take comfort in the fact that it wouldve worked if only I was buying shares in the Latin stock exchange.

The one that I DO know works in life is "luckamus fortunes aduuvaat" ... which means "fortune favours the lucky"

Well, you're brave and lucky, both in real life and on this forum, so cheer up

oh, and talented.

 

[2020hindsight]

Well, you're brave and lucky, both in real life and on this forum, so cheer up

Well lately Ive been lucky youre right - considering I started this investing at the top of the peak in May As for courage- there's a fine line between courage and stupidity lol.

Speaking of Latin, I understand that they're going to make a trilogy based on "Gladiator" with Russell Crowe playing in all three parts.
a) In Gladiator I he is MAXIMUS,
b) In Gladiator II he is MIDDLEMUS, and
c) In Gladiator III he is MINIMUS!
(just doesnt inspire the same gladiatorial overtones, does it, lol)

Google gave me websites by the score eg:-
http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Latin_proverbs
eg
"A Deo rex, a rege lex
but Presidents are spicks and specks"

Translation: "The king is from God, the law from the king". Attributed to James I of England

 

[new girl]

Well lately Ive been lucky youre right - considering I started this investing at the top of the peak in May As for courage- there's a fine line between courage and stupidity lol.

Speaking of Latin, I understand that they're going to make a trilogy based on "Gladiator" with Russell Crowe playing in all three parts.
a) In Gladiator I he is MAXIMUS,
b) In Gladiator II he is MIDDLEMUS, and
c) In Gladiator III he is MINIMUS!
(just doesnt inspire the same gladiatorial overtones, does it, lol)

Don't tell me about May, I panicked and sold, didn't lose but could've made much more and hence the broker. As for being stupid, I think you have enough common sense for that

Russell's latest movie (can't remember the name) is different, I kinda liked it. I have a soft spot for Crowe, sh$%@t singer though

 

[2020hindsight]

AUSSIE CITIZENSHIP TEST

Id like you all to raise your hand and sing the national anthem -
But firstly have a gander - look at all the rest and count'em
If any of you reckon that there's more in here than 4???..
then sorry but youve failed test one - and there's the flaming door.

Now crowd around the three of you and here's a simple question
how many times has Shane Warne been accused of bold incest-ion
And also how do googlies fly when he is on his metal?
You've No idea? well sorry love, try next year's test my petal.

Now...two of yous, and one more test - The Kelly gang was how big?
I'm sorry these are so damned easy - (thats a bludy dig )
1000 you say - damned if I know, - that sure sounds too many !
So sorry mate youre out as well, its surely less than twenny.

OK mate congrats, last one, promise - for the koala bear,
Repeat for me the words intact of "Vance Australia Square"
"Australians all eat ostriches?" - well that'll do for now..
Now here's your piece of fancy paper - face the queen and bow ...

I'd post the icon, but think this one barely ranks as 1c. still maybe someone out there is desperate for a bludy smile.

ps see if you can avoid a SMILE AT THIS :-
priceless
http://www.unoriginal.co.uk/footage81_4.html laughing babies

I invite RIR (repartee in reply):-
here's a start
a) overheared in nursery.. will someone tell those bludy quads to SHUDDUP! sheesh its 9.30am in the MORNIN!
b) - over to you folks

ps you know the one about the girl who was listening to a lecture when the speaker mentioned "retartee", - 'you know' said the speaker 'the art of giving quick witty answers, frequently attributed to Oscar Wilde. can anyone think of any examples..'.... quick as a flash her arm goes up..." yep!! my boyfriend he's real good at repartee too. like the other day at the movie cinema, we're waqlking across to our seat in the dark, someone says, "hey get outta my way, I can't see" .. so quik as anything my boyfriend, he's real good at repartee', she hurriedly smiles and continues ' he turns around and says "get fu** ed!!'

ps - newgirl mornin - yep I agree about russell crowe - hell of an actor , and also his singing voice sounds like nothin you'd find in heaven.

 

[2020hindsight]

WHEN RETARTEE COMES OUT TO PLAY

Sometimes my mind goes walkabout - Through awkward words of yesterday
It loves repeat re-talkabout , When repartee comes out to play.

I dream my words can be re-said , and crowds are there to hear my quips
(instead my dog just tilts her head , and ponders why I move my lips).

My witless banter real-time mode , in daylight rusts at every cog
when witnessed , quickly overloads , I dream of "run" but barely "jog".

Like somewhere some girl called me bold- , In "wit-review" I whirled in jigtime
then flamencoed to her shoulder , "fancy tripping? " .... then tripped bigtime.

Then she mocked my nose as "beak" , Wit-reviewed I answered grinning
"Like we should be ...cheek to cheek" , 'stead I stood there double chinning.

Summary, in realtime screening , Cruel reality is this -
Repartee escapes my meaning , aims impressive , scores a miss.

So I have my thoughts to thank , for filling up this jumbled head
Messy mish-mash memory bank , of Clever things I never said.

So I live much time reviewing , Things I would have liked to say, -
When lost chances keep accruing , Repartee comes out to play.

 

[2020hindsight]

These are quotes rather than repartee, but..

http://www.unoriginal.co.uk/oscar-wilde-quotes.html oscar wilde quotes

A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world. . - Oscar Wilde

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. - Oscar Wilde

A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining, but wants it back the minute it begins to rain. -Mark Twain

 

[2020hindsight]

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Latin_proverbs
eg "A Deo rex, a rege lex" Translation: "The king is from God, the law from the king". Attributed to James I of England

There are also some "mock quotes":-

Carpe jugulum ..Translation: "Go for the throat."
The title of a Terry Pratchett novel and the motto of the Von Magpyr family of vampires in that novel.

Carpe noctem. ...Translation: "Seize the night."
Dean Koontz, Seize the Night (1998) Also a title of a song in the Jim Steinman musical Tanz der Vampire

Carpe pugam. ...Translation: "Grab ass."
Cave ne ante ullas catapultas ambules. ..If I were you, I wouldn't walk in front of any catapults.

Da mihi sis bubulæ frustrum assæ, solana tuberosa in modo gallico fricta, ac quassum lactatum coagulatum crassum. ...Translation: Give me a hamburger, french fries, and a thick shake.

Nil illegitimi carborundum. ..Don't let the bastards grind you down.
Carborundum is the brand name of a commercial abrasive. See wikipedia Illegitimi non carborundum.

Nil significat, nil oscillat. ..It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.
Romanes eunt domus ..Translation: A sentence scrawled on a wall by an Israelite in Monty Python's Life of Brian, intended to mean "Romans go home." A Roman soldier catches him at it, ridicules the bad grammar ("Some people called Romanes, they go, the house?!") and forces him, not to remove it, but to correct it to Romani ite domum.

Veni vidi velcro. .. I came, I saw, I got stuck.
Veni vidi visa. ..I came, I saw, I bought.
Veni, vidi, vegi. ..I came, I saw, I had a salad.
(Veni vidi concreti .. I came, I saw, I concreted?)

Roccaturi te salutant! ...Those about to rock salute you!
Semper ubi sub ubi, ...Always wear underwear.
The Latin is literally "always where under where", the joke is to read "wear" for "where".

Other sites to check meanings etc :- http://proverbs.bestlatin.net/
http://www.findia.net/ - finally had success looking for meaning of
"dum vivimus, vivamus"
....
ahh got it "while we live let us live" . (you seem to have to type in the entire quote when you enquire - not just the first couple of words)
http://www.bartleby.com/81/5471.html
http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/nq/resources/rsascottishart/imagedetails/dumvivimusvivamus.asp

 

[2020hindsight]

http://www.bartleby.com/81/5470.html = dum spiro, spero = while I breathe, I hope.
This was apparently also quoted when Spiro Agnu made a few stupid decisions, emphasis on "dum"
http://www.scstatehouse.net/studentpage/motto.htm
also the motto of south carolina. (apparently)

 

[2020hindsight]

sad one about a horse that dies whilst jumping.

Thus I speak, and force a laugh, - That is half a sneer and half - An involuntary groan,
In a stifled tone””
........
"With a flash that ends thy pain,
Respite and oblivion blest
Come to greet thee. I in vain -
Fall: I rise to fall again: -
Thou hast fallen to thy rest””
And thy fall is best!"

(must've caught him on a bad day - not sure I'd agree - I'd prefer to keep the cycle of "falling and rising and falling again and etc" going for a while...- but beautiful words nonetheless)

THE LAST LEAP (Adam Linbdsay GOrdon)

ALL is over! fleet career, - Dash of greyhound slipping thongs,
Flight of falcon, bound of deer, - Mad hoof-thunder in our rear, - Cold air rushing up our lungs,
Din of many tongues.

Once again, one struggle good, - One vain effort;”” he must dwell
Near the shifted post, that stood - Where the splinters of the wood, - Lying in the torn tracks, tell
How he struck and fell.

Crest where cold drops beaded cling, - Small ear drooping, nostril full,
Glazing to a scarlet ring, - Flanks and haunches quivering, - Sinews stiffening, void and null,
Dumb eyes sorrowful.

Satin coat that seems to shine - Duller now, black braided tress
That a softer hand than mine - Far away was wont to twine, - That in meadows far from this
Softer lips might kiss.

All is over! this is death, - And I stand to watch thee die,
Brave old horse! with bated breath - Hardly drawn through tight-clenched teeth, - Lip indented deep, but eye
Only dull and dry.

Musing on the husk and chaff - Gathered where life’s tares are sown,
Thus I speak, and force a laugh, - That is half a sneer and half - An involuntary groan,
In a stifled tone””

‘Rest, old friend! thy day, though rife - With its toil, hath ended soon;
We have had our share of strife, - Tumblers in the masque of life, - In the pantomime of noon
Clown and pantaloon.

‘With a flash that ends thy pain, - Respite and oblivion blest
Come to greet thee. I in vain - Fall: I rise to fall again: - Thou hast fallen to thy rest””
And thy fall is best!’

By the way, go to this website - you can cycle through Gordons poems :- "NEXT / PREVIOUS etc" also many other poets etc. Gr8 site.
http://www.bartleby.com/249/20.html

I think these are all the 204 Australasian poems on that site:-
http://www.bartleby.com/249/

 

[2020hindsight]

Speaking of the ashes series ... - you'd have to say the Aus - Brit thing is a pretty interesting relationship Here's a poemwritten by an old politician (who I personally never knew wrote poetry) - damned good imho.
http://www.bartleby.com/249/4.html
FATHERLAND
By Sir Henry Parkes

THE BRAVE old land of deed and song,
Of gentle hearts and spirits strong,
Of queenly maids and heroes grand,
Of equal laws,””our Fatherland!

Though born beneath a brighter sun, 5
Shall we forget the marvels done,
By soul outspoken, blood outpoured,
By bard and patriot, song and sword?

Forget how firm and true our sires,
Still lighted by their battle-fires, 10
’Gainst kingly power and kingly crime,
Long struggled in the darkened time?

How in a rolling sea they stood,
Where every wave was freemen’s blood,””
Shall we forget the time of strife, 15
When freedom’s only price was life?

Shall Cromwell’s memory, Milton’s lyre,
Not kindle ’mong us souls of fire,
Not raise in us a spirit strong””
High scorn of shams, quick hate of wrong? 20

Shall we not learn, Australians born!
To smile on tinselled power our scorn,””
At least, a freeman’s pride to try,
When tinselled power would bend or buy?

The brave old land of deed and song, 25
We ne’er will do her memories wrong!
For freedom here we’ll firmly stand,
As stood our sires for Fatherland!

Poem #1 by William Charles Wentworth is somewhatsimilar - herewithsome excerpts ... (first mention of Warragamba in poetry ?)
http://www.bartleby.com/249/1.html
From ‘Australasia’
....
Where Warragamba’s rage has rent in twain 15
Opposing mountains, thund’ring to the plain,
No child of song has yet invoked thy aid,
’Neath their primaeval solitary shade,””
Still, gracious Pow’r, some kindling soul inspire
To wake to life my country’s unknown lyre, 20
That from creation’s date has slumbering lain,
Or only breath’d some savage uncouth strain,””
And grant that yet an Austral Milton’s song
Pactolus-like flow deep and rich along,””
An Austral Shakespeare rise, whose living page 25
To Nature true may charm in ev’ry age;””
And that an Austral Pinder daring soar,
Where not the Theban Eagle reach’d before.

(surely that would be Gordon)

And, O Britannia! shouldst thou cease to ride
Despotic Empress of old Ocean’s tide;”” 30
Should thy tam’d Lion””spent his former might””
No longer roar, the terror of the fight;””
Should e’er arrive that dark, disastrous hour,
When, bow’d by luxury, thou yield’st to power;””
When thou, no longer freest of the free, 35
To some proud victor bend’st the vanquished knee;””
May all thy glories in another sphere
Relume, and shine more brightly still than here:
May this””thy last-born infant””then arise,
To glad thy heart, and greet thy parent eyes; 40
And Australasia float, with flag unfurl’d,
A new Britannia in another world!

funny, never thought of Australia as being UK's "last-born infant" before

 

[2020hindsight]

Gordon was influenced by Byron amongst others.
INSCRIPTION ON THE MONUMENT OF A NEWFOUNDLAND DOG, 1808
Lord Byron

When some proud son of man returns to earth,
Unknown to glory, but upheld by birth,
The sculptor's art exhausts the pomp of woe,
And storied urns record who rest below:
When all is done, upon the tomb is seen,
Not what he was, but what he should have been:

But the poor dog, in life the firmest friend,
The first to welcome, foremost to defend,
Whose honest heart is still his master's own,
Who labors, fights, lives, breathes for him alone,
Unhonored falls, unnoticed all his worth,
Denied in heaven the soul he held on earth: sheesh that's good imho!!

While man, vain insect! hopes to be forgiven,
And claims himself a sole exclusive heaven.
Oh man! thou feeble tenant of an hour,
Debased by slavery, or corrupt by power,
Who knows thee well must quit thee with disgust,
Degraded mass of animated dust!

Thy love is lust, thy friendship is all a cheat,
Thy smiles hypocrisy, thy words deceit!
By nature vile, ennobled but by name,
Each kindred brute might bid thee blush for shame.

Ye! who perchance behold this simple urn,
Pass on - it honors none you wish to mourn:
To mark a friend's remains these stones arise;
I never knew but one, - and here he lies.

http://englishhistory.net/byron/contents.html

1. On the subject of Lord Byron, heres a painting "in Albanian dress , 1835
http://englishhistory.net/byron/images/byronphillips.jpg
This portrait commemorates Byron's famous adventures in Albania. It can be viewed at the National Portrait Gallery, London."

2. and also one of his father , Capt John ('mad jack') Byron http://englishhistory.net/byron/images/byronfather.jpg
the notes say "John died at Valenciennes in 1791, most likely a suicide. Later, Byron would tell friends that his father had cut his own throat. It is more likely he died from tuberculosis or an overdose. Interestingly, John had an incestuous relationship with his sister Frances Leigh, later the mother of Colonel George Leigh who became the husband of Byron's half-sister and lover, Augusta."

lol and I thought mine was a dysfunctional family.. "incest, a game the whole family can enjoy"

3. On the subject of Gordons POSSIBLE PLAGEURISM of Byron, the intro to his "Bush Ballads" says ...
"Readers of "Sea Spray and Smoke Drift" however will not need anyone to point out how closely at times Gordon followed his "model" in these earlier poems. But here as in all these estimates of his obligations to other poets, we would not have it understood that Gordon plagiarised from Byron or anyone else. There are points of contact in the poet and the poems, but such plageurism always vindicates itself . The truth is, that not once nor twice , nor here nor there, is an idea or a figure borrowed; but that Gordon in his youth passed, as many poets have done, so under the spell of Byron's vital vigourous flowing verse, and picturesque personality that it became impossible not to reproduce him. "

4. On the subject of FIRST DRAFT IS GOOD ENOUGH. Gordon was like Byron in another aspect as well .. "the vice of impromtu work which , like Byron, Gordon steadily refused to polish, to file, or to furbish. Byron said in this connection, 'I am like the tiger ; if I miss the first spring, I go crawling back to my jungle. There is no second. I can't correct and I won't'. It was after this fashion that Gordon wrote."
speaking of which, I found this totally irrelevant youtube :-
http://www.unoriginal.co.uk/footage102_1.html tiger attack
(that tiger sure can camouflage himself - also I've no idea how this video ends, but don't envy the bloke in the driver's seat.)

PS I just like this style of poetry . a) because it rhymes, b) because the language is easy to understand and c) usually at least sentimental (if not romantic). - the concept of the worth of a dogs friendship etc.

Went to a poets club meeting once. - Some of the poems went on for 20 bludy minutes ! sheesh. - and for most of that time I was diving back and forward through a dictionary to see what they were on about lol.