'Since Then' by Henry Lawson
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I met Jack Ellis in town to-day --
Jack Ellis -- my old mate, Jack --
Ten years ago, from the Castlereagh,
We carried our swags together away
To the Never-Again, Out Back.
But times have altered since those old days,
And the times have changed the men.
Ah, well! there's little to blame or praise --
Jack Ellis and I have tramped long ways
On different tracks since then.
His hat was battered, his coat was green,
The toes of his boots were through,
But the pride was his!It was I felt mean --
I wished that my collar was not so clean,
Nor the clothes I wore so new.
He saw me first, and he knew 'twas I --
The holiday swell he met.
Why have we no faith in each other?Ah, why? --
He made as though he would pass me by,
For he thought that I might forget.
He ought to have known me better than that,
By the tracks we tramped far out --
The sweltering scrub and the blazing flat,
When the heat came down through each old felt hat
In the hell-born western drought.
The cheques we made and the shanty sprees,
The camps in the great blind scrub,
The long wet tramps when the plains were seas,
And the oracles worked in days like these
For rum and tobacco and grub.
Could I forget how we struck `the same
Old tale' in the nearer West,
When the first great test of our friendship came --
But -- well, there's little to praise or blame
If our mateship stood the test.
`Heads!' he laughed (but his face was stern) --
`Tails!' and a friendly oath;
We loved her fair, we had much to learn --
And each was stabbed to the heart in turn
By the girl who -- loved us both.
Or the last day lost on the lignum plain,
When I staggered, half-blind, half-dead,
With a burning throat and a tortured brain;
And the tank when we came to the track again
Was seventeen miles ahead.
Then life seemed finished -- then death began
As down in the dust I sank,
But he stuck to his mate as a bushman can,
Till I heard him saying, `Bear up, old man!'
In the shade by the mulga tank.
.....
He took my hand in a distant way
(I thought how we parted last),
And we seemed like men who have nought to say
And who meet -- `Good-day', and who part -- `Good-day',
Who never have shared the past.
I asked him in for a drink with me --
Jack Ellis -- my old mate, Jack --
But his manner no longer was careless and free,
He followed, but not with the grin that he
Wore always in days Out Back.
I tried to live in the past once more --
Or the present and past combine,
But the days between I could not ignore --
I couldn't help notice the clothes he wore,
And he couldn't but notice mine.
He placed his glass on the polished bar,
And he wouldn't fill up again;
For he is prouder than most men are --
Jack Ellis and I have tramped too far
On different tracks since then.
He said that he had a mate to meet,
And `I'll see you again,' said he,
Then he hurried away through the crowded street
And the rattle of buses and scrape of feet
Seemed suddenly loud to me.
And I almost wished that the time were come
When less will be left to Fate --
When boys will start on the track from home
With equal chances, and no old chum
Have more or less than his mate.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Deep Dive Into Henry Lawson's Poetry: "Since Then"
Henry Lawson has been hailed as one of the greatest Australian poets of all time. His writing is a reflection of the vibrant culture and landscape of the country, encompassing themes of nature, love, and social justice. "Since Then" is a poem that captures the essence of Lawson's style, and it is a powerful reflection on the passage of time and the changes that come with it.
An Overview of the Poem
"Since Then" is a relatively short poem that consists of four stanzas, each comprising four lines. It was published in 1917 and is part of Lawson's later work, which was characterized by a more melancholic and introspective tone. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme scheme or meter.
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for what is to come. It begins with the line, "I met an old man in the street to-day", which immediately introduces the theme of aging and the passing of time. The old man is described as having a "sad, kind smile", which suggests a sense of resignation and acceptance of his fate. This image sets the stage for the rest of the poem, which explores the way in which time changes us all.
The second stanza of the poem continues this exploration, with the narrator reflecting on the way in which his own life has changed since he was young. The lines "But the boy who turned from the gate with a bow / And a smile on his lips, untroubled and gay, / Has become an old man since then, I know, / For I've lived, and I've learned in my own hard way" capture the bittersweet nature of growing older. The narrator has gained wisdom and experience over the years, but at the cost of losing the carefree innocence of youth.
The third stanza of the poem takes a more philosophical turn, with the narrator reflecting on the universality of the changes wrought by time. The lines "And the world itself is a mournful old man, / Who has thought and thought till his head grew gray, / And he calls for the children to come to his knee— / But they will not come to him now, to-day" are a powerful metaphor for the way in which time erodes everything, even our connection to the world around us. The old man in the street is no longer connected to the world in the same way he once was, and the world itself is similarly alienated from the people who inhabit it.
The final stanza of the poem brings it all together, with the narrator reflecting on the way in which the past is not completely lost to us. The lines "But the old man smiled as the children passed, / Though his wrinkled eyelids were wet and dim— / For he once had children on his knee, / And his heart was glad for the love of them" suggest that while time may change us, it does not erase the memories and experiences that make us who we are. The old man may be disconnected from the world around him, but he still carries the love he once had for his children with him.
Interpretation of the Poem
"Since Then" is a poem that speaks to the universality of the human experience. We all age and change over time, and the poem explores the way in which this process can be both beautiful and painful. The old man in the street is a powerful metaphor for the way in which we can become disconnected from the world around us as we grow older, but the poem also suggests that our memories and experiences can help us to hold onto the things that matter most.
One of the most striking things about "Since Then" is the way in which it uses language to convey its message. The free verse form of the poem allows Lawson to experiment with the way in which words and phrases are arranged on the page, creating a sense of movement and fluidity that captures the ebb and flow of time. The use of metaphors, such as the world as an old man, also adds depth and complexity to the poem, allowing it to explore the theme of aging from multiple angles.
Another key element of the poem is the way in which it is structured. The four stanzas each contain four lines, which creates a sense of symmetry and balance. This structure reflects the cyclical nature of time, with each stanza building on the one that came before it. The final stanza, which brings the poem full circle by returning to the old man in the street, provides a sense of closure and resolution that ties the poem together.
Overall, "Since Then" is a powerful reflection on the passage of time and the way in which it changes us all. It is a testament to Lawson's skill as a poet that he is able to convey such complex and abstract ideas in such a simple and straightforward way. The poem speaks to the human experience in a way that is both universal and deeply personal, making it a timeless piece of literature that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
Conclusion
"Since Then" is a poem that captures the essence of Henry Lawson's poetic style. It is a powerful reflection on the passage of time and the way in which it changes us all. The use of language, metaphor, and structure combine to create a poem that is both beautiful and poignant, speaking to the human experience in a way that is both universal and deeply personal. If you have not yet read "Since Then", I highly recommend taking the time to do so. It is a truly remarkable piece of literature that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Since Then: A Classic Masterpiece by Henry Lawson
Poetry has always been a powerful medium of expression, and Henry Lawson's "Poetry Since Then" is a classic example of how poetry can capture the essence of a time and place. Written in 1891, this poem is a reflection of the social and political climate of Australia during the late 19th century. It is a powerful commentary on the struggles of the working class and the harsh realities of life in the outback.
The poem begins with a powerful statement, "Since then I've seen the nations rise and fall." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Lawson takes the reader on a journey through the history of Australia and the world. He reflects on the changes that have occurred since he was a child, and how these changes have affected the people around him.
One of the key themes of the poem is the struggle of the working class. Lawson was a strong advocate for the rights of workers, and this is evident in his poetry. He writes about the harsh conditions that workers faced in the outback, and the struggles they had to endure just to survive. He also writes about the exploitation of workers by the wealthy landowners, and the need for workers to unite and fight for their rights.
Another important theme in the poem is the harsh realities of life in the outback. Lawson was a keen observer of life in the bush, and he writes about the isolation, loneliness, and hardship that people faced in this harsh environment. He also writes about the beauty of the outback, and the way that it can inspire and uplift the human spirit.
One of the most powerful lines in the poem is "I've seen the bushland dying, and the cities growing." This line captures the essence of the changes that were occurring in Australia during the late 19th century. The bushland was being destroyed by the expansion of agriculture and mining, while the cities were growing rapidly as people moved from the countryside to find work.
Lawson also writes about the impact of colonialism on Australia and its people. He reflects on the way that the indigenous people were treated by the colonizers, and the way that their culture and way of life was destroyed. He also writes about the impact of colonialism on the white settlers, and the way that it shaped their identity and sense of belonging.
The poem is written in a simple, yet powerful style. Lawson's use of language is direct and to the point, and he uses vivid imagery to bring his words to life. He also uses repetition to emphasize certain themes and ideas, such as the struggle of the working class and the harsh realities of life in the outback.
In conclusion, "Poetry Since Then" is a classic masterpiece of Australian poetry. It is a powerful commentary on the social and political climate of Australia during the late 19th century, and it reflects the struggles and hardships of the working class. Lawson's use of language and imagery is powerful and evocative, and his message is as relevant today as it was over a century ago. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of a time and place, and to inspire and uplift the human spirit.
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