'The Poets Of The Tomb' by Henry Lawson
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The world has had enough of bards who wish that they were dead,
'Tis time the people passed a law to knock 'em on the head,
For 'twould be lovely if their friends could grant the rest they crave --
Those bards of `tears' and `vanished hopes', those poets of the grave.
They say that life's an awful thing, and full of care and gloom,
They talk of peace and restfulness connected with the tomb.
They say that man is made of dirt, and die, of course, he must;
But, all the same, a man is made of pretty solid dust.
There is a thing that they forget, so let it here be writ,
That some are made of common mud, and some are made of GRIT;
Some try to help the world along while others fret and fume
And wish that they were slumbering in the silence of the tomb.
'Twixt mother's arms and coffin-gear a man has work to do!
And if he does his very best he mostly worries through,
And while there is a wrong to right, and while the world goes round,
An honest man alive is worth a million underground.
And yet, as long as sheoaks sigh and wattle-blossoms bloom,
The world shall hear the drivel of the poets of the tomb.
And though the graveyard poets long to vanish from the scene,
I notice that they mostly wish their resting-place kept green.
Now, were I rotting underground, I do not think I'd care
If wombats rooted on the mound or if the cows camped there;
And should I have some feelings left when I have gone before,
I think a ton of solid stone would hurt my feelings more.
Such wormy songs of mouldy joys can give me no delight;
I'll take my chances with the world, I'd rather live and fight.
Though Fortune laughs along my track, or wears her blackest frown,
I'll try to do the world some good before I tumble down.
Let's fight for things that ought to be, and try to make 'em boom;
We cannot help mankind when we are ashes in the tomb.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Poets of the Tomb by Henry Lawson: A Literary Masterpiece
Are you a fan of poetry? Do you enjoy reading about the human condition and the struggles of everyday life? If so, then you must read Henry Lawson's masterpiece, The Poets of the Tomb. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, motifs, and symbols in this classic work of Australian literature.
Background Information
Henry Lawson was a prominent Australian writer and poet who lived from 1867 to 1922. He is widely considered to be one of the most important writers in Australian literature, and his works often explore the harsh realities of life in the outback. The Poets of the Tomb was first published in 1901, and it is one of his most famous poems.
A Closer Look at the Poem
The Poets of the Tomb is a poem that explores the themes of death, isolation, and the power of memory. The poem begins with a description of a cemetery in the outback, where the graves are unmarked and the only sounds are the cries of birds and the howling of dingoes. The speaker of the poem notes that the only people who visit this cemetery are the poets of the tomb – those who are buried there.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker describes the bleak and desolate landscape of the cemetery. The use of imagery, such as the howling dingoes and the unmarked graves, creates a sense of isolation and abandonment. The second stanza introduces the idea of the poets of the tomb, who are described as being "long-forgotten." This phrase suggests that these poets were once famous and celebrated, but over time they have been forgotten and left to rest in obscurity.
The third stanza of the poem is where the theme of memory comes into play. The speaker notes that the only people who remember the poets of the tomb are "ghostly men" who visit the cemetery at night. These men are not named or described, but their presence adds to the eerie and haunting atmosphere of the poem. The fourth stanza continues this theme of memory, as the speaker notes that the poets of the tomb are "forgotten by the world," but they are remembered by the "wind that sighs."
The fifth and final stanza of the poem is where the true meaning of the poem is revealed. The speaker notes that the poets of the tomb "live again" through their words, which have been preserved in books. This suggests that even though the poets themselves have been forgotten, their words continue to live on and inspire future generations.
Analysis of Themes, Motifs, and Symbols
The Poets of the Tomb is a poem that explores several important themes, motifs, and symbols. One of the most prominent themes in the poem is death. The cemetery in the outback is a symbol of the finality of death and the inevitability of mortality. The unmarked graves and the absence of mourners create a sense of isolation and abandonment, emphasizing the finality of death.
Another important theme in the poem is memory. The ghostly men who visit the cemetery at night and the wind that sighs are symbols of the power of memory to preserve the past. The poets of the tomb may be forgotten by the world, but they are remembered by those who visit the cemetery and by the wind that carries their words.
The motif of isolation is also present in the poem. The desolate landscape of the cemetery and the absence of mourners create a sense of isolation and abandonment. This motif emphasizes the loneliness of death and the importance of memory in preserving the legacy of those who have passed away.
The symbol of the poets of the tomb is a powerful one. These poets are described as being "long-forgotten," which suggests that they were once famous and celebrated. However, over time they have been forgotten and left to rest in obscurity. The fact that they are only remembered by the wind and by ghostly men emphasizes the fragility of fame and the importance of leaving a lasting legacy.
Conclusion
The Poets of the Tomb is a powerful and haunting poem that explores the themes of death, memory, and isolation. Through the use of vivid imagery, powerful symbols, and thoughtful themes, Henry Lawson creates a work of literature that is both timeless and relevant. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply appreciate great writing, this poem is a must-read. So why not take a moment to explore the world of The Poets of the Tomb and discover the power of Henry Lawson's words for yourself?
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Poets of the Tomb: A Masterpiece of Australian Poetry
Henry Lawson, one of the most celebrated Australian poets, wrote The Poets of the Tomb in 1896. This poem is a masterpiece of Australian poetry that captures the essence of the Australian bush and the struggles of the people who lived there. The poem is a tribute to the pioneers who fought to make a life in the harsh and unforgiving Australian landscape. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.
The Poets of the Tomb is a long poem that consists of 12 stanzas, each with four lines. The poem is written in a simple and straightforward style, with a clear and concise language that reflects the harshness of the Australian bush. The poem is divided into two parts, with the first part describing the landscape and the second part describing the people who lived there.
The first part of the poem sets the scene for the rest of the poem. The opening lines of the poem describe the landscape of the Australian bush, with its rugged terrain and harsh climate. The poet describes the bush as a place where "the sun-burnt plains lie silent, / Underneath the blazing sky." This description sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a tribute to the people who lived in this harsh and unforgiving environment.
The second part of the poem is where the poet pays tribute to the pioneers who fought to make a life in the Australian bush. The poem describes the pioneers as "the poets of the tomb," who "wrote their names upon the land." The poet describes the pioneers as people who were willing to sacrifice everything to make a life in the bush. They were people who were "strong of heart and strong of hand," and who were willing to face any challenge that came their way.
The poem also describes the pioneers as people who were deeply connected to the land. They were people who understood the rhythms of the bush and who knew how to survive in this harsh environment. The poet describes the pioneers as people who "knew the secrets of the soil," and who "knew the ways of the wind." They were people who were in tune with the natural world and who understood the importance of living in harmony with nature.
The poem also pays tribute to the women who lived in the bush. The poet describes the women as "the queens of the lonely land," who were "strong of heart and strong of hand." The women were the backbone of the bush, and they played a vital role in the survival of the pioneers. They were the ones who kept the home fires burning and who raised the children in this harsh environment.
The poem also describes the pioneers as people who were deeply connected to their community. They were people who understood the importance of working together and who were willing to help each other in times of need. The poet describes the pioneers as people who "shared the joys and sorrows," and who "stood together in the strife." They were people who understood the importance of community and who were willing to do whatever it took to support each other.
In conclusion, The Poets of the Tomb is a masterpiece of Australian poetry that captures the essence of the Australian bush and the struggles of the people who lived there. The poem pays tribute to the pioneers who fought to make a life in this harsh and unforgiving environment. The poem is a reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit and of the importance of community and connection to the land. Henry Lawson's The Poets of the Tomb is a timeless classic that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
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