'The Vagabond' by Henry Lawson
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White handkerchiefs wave from the short black pier
As we glide to the grand old sea --
But the song of my heart is for none to hear
If one of them waves for me.
A roving, roaming life is mine,
Ever by field or flood --
For not far back in my father's line
Was a dash of the Gipsy blood.
Flax and tussock and fern,
Gum and mulga and sand,
Reef and palm -- but my fancies turn
Ever away from land;
Strange wild cities in ancient state,
Range and river and tree,
Snow and ice.But my star of fate
Is ever across the sea.
A god-like ride on a thundering sea,
When all but the stars are blind --
A desperate race from Eternity
With a gale-and-a-half behind.
A jovial spree in the cabin at night,
A song on the rolling deck,
A lark ashore with the ships in sight,
Till -- a wreck goes down with a wreck.
A smoke and a yarn on the deck by day,
When life is a waking dream,
And care and trouble so far away
That out of your life they seem.
A roving spirit in sympathy,
Who has travelled the whole world o'er --
My heart forgets, in a week at sea,
The trouble of years on shore.
A rolling stone! -- 'tis a saw for slaves --
Philosophy false as old --
Wear out or break 'neath the feet of knaves,
Or rot in your bed of mould!
But I'D rather trust to the darkest skies
And the wildest seas that roar,
Or die, where the stars of Nations rise,
In the stormy clouds of war.
Cleave to your country, home, and friends,
Die in a sordid strife --
You can count your friends on your finger ends
In the critical hours of life.
Sacrifice all for the family's sake,
Bow to their selfish rule!
Slave till your big soft heart they break --
The heart of the family fool.
Domestic quarrels, and family spite,
And your Native Land may be
Controlled by custom, but, come what might,
The rest of the world for me.
I'd sail with money, or sail without! --
If your love be forced from home,
And you dare enough, and your heart be stout,
The world is your own to roam.
I've never a love that can sting my pride,
Nor a friend to prove untrue;
For I leave my love ere the turning tide,
And my friends are all too new.
The curse of the Powers on a peace like ours,
With its greed and its treachery --
A stranger's hand, and a stranger land,
And the rest of the world for me!
But why be bitter?The world is cold
To one with a frozen heart;
New friends are often so like the old,
They seem of the past a part --
As a better part of the past appears,
When enemies, parted long,
Are come together in kinder years,
With their better nature strong.
I had a friend, ere my first ship sailed,
A friend that I never deserved --
For the selfish strain in my blood prevailed
As soon as my turn was served.
And the memory haunts my heart with shame --
Or, rather, the pride that's there;
In different guises, but soul the same,
I meet him everywhere.
I had a chum.When the times were tight
We starved in Australian scrubs;
We froze together in parks at night,
And laughed together in pubs.
And I often hear a laugh like his
From a sense of humour keen,
And catch a glimpse in a passing phiz
Of his broad, good-humoured grin.
And I had a love -- 'twas a love to prize --
But I never went back again . . .
I have seen the light of her kind brown eyes
In many a face since then.
.....
The sailors say 'twill be rough to-night,
As they fasten the hatches down,
The south is black, and the bar is white,
And the drifting smoke is brown.
The gold has gone from the western haze,
The sea-birds circle and swarm --
But we shall have plenty of sunny days,
And little enough of storm.
The hill is hiding the short black pier,
As the last white signal's seen;
The points run in, and the houses veer,
And the great bluff stands between.
So darkness swallows each far white speck
On many a wharf and quay.
The night comes down on a restless deck, --
Grim cliffs -- and -- The Open Sea!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Vagabond: A Journey Through Henry Lawson's Mind
Henry Lawson, the iconic Australian writer, is known for his literary contributions that highlight the struggles of the working-class people. His poetry, in particular, is a reflection of his personal experiences and observations of the world around him. In this literary criticism, we will delve into one of his most famous poems, "The Vagabond," and explore the themes, literary devices, and interpretations that make it a timeless masterpiece.
Background
"The Vagabond" was first published in 1894 in The Bulletin, a popular Australian magazine. The poem is written in the first person and follows the narrator, a wandering vagabond, as he travels through the Australian countryside. The poem is a reflection of Lawson's own experiences as a down-on-his-luck writer, struggling to make ends meet while traveling through the vast, unforgiving Australian outback.
Themes
At its core, "The Vagabond" is a poem about the struggles of the working-class people. The narrator is a man who has been beaten down by life and is now wandering aimlessly, searching for meaning and purpose. He is a man who has been rejected by society and is now on the fringes, living an existence that is both difficult and lonely.
The poem also explores the theme of freedom. The vagabond is a man who is free from the constraints of society and social norms. He is a man who has nothing to lose and everything to gain. In many ways, the vagabond represents the ultimate expression of freedom, as he is able to live life on his own terms and answer only to himself.
Lastly, the poem touches on the theme of identity. The vagabond is a man who has lost his sense of identity and is now searching for it once again. He is a man who has been stripped of everything he once held dear and is now trying to find himself in a world that is both harsh and unforgiving.
Literary Devices
Lawson employs a variety of literary devices in "The Vagabond" to create a vivid and compelling picture of the narrator's journey. One of the most notable devices used in the poem is imagery. Lawson uses vivid and descriptive language to paint a picture of the Australian outback, from the dusty roads to the clear blue skies. This imagery helps to evoke a sense of place and transport the reader to the world of the vagabond.
Another device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "I am" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the vagabond's sense of self and his determination to hold on to his identity in a world that is constantly trying to strip it away from him. The repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and momentum, driving the poem forward and adding to its overall impact.
Lastly, the poem utilizes symbolism to create meaning and depth. The vagabond himself is a symbol of freedom and rebellion, while the road he travels represents the journey of life itself. The dusty and unforgiving nature of the road serves as a metaphor for the difficulties and hardships that the vagabond must overcome in order to find his way in the world.
Interpretation
"The Vagabond" is a poem that speaks to the struggles and triumphs of the working-class people. It is a poem about the human experience, about the search for meaning and purpose in a world that can often be cruel and unforgiving. The vagabond himself is a symbol of the human spirit, a reminder that no matter how difficult life may be, we always have the capacity to rise above our circumstances and make our own way in the world.
At its heart, "The Vagabond" is a poem about hope. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light, a reason to keep moving forward. The vagabond may be a man who has been beaten down by life, but he is also a man who refuses to give up. He is a man who continues to search for meaning and purpose, even when all seems lost.
In conclusion, "The Vagabond" is a timeless masterpiece that speaks to the human experience in a way that few other works of literature can. Through its vivid imagery, powerful repetition, and meaningful symbolism, it creates a world that is both beautiful and harsh, a world that is both familiar and foreign. It is a poem that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Vagabond: A Poem of Freedom and Adventure
Henry Lawson, one of Australia's most celebrated poets, wrote The Vagabond in 1894. The poem is a celebration of freedom, adventure, and the open road. It tells the story of a wanderer who travels the country, living a life of freedom and independence. The Vagabond is a classic poem that has inspired generations of readers and writers, and it continues to resonate with people today.
The poem begins with the speaker introducing himself as a vagabond, a wanderer who has no fixed abode. He describes himself as a "rolling stone" who is always on the move. He is a man who is free from the constraints of society and the expectations of others. He is a man who lives life on his own terms.
The vagabond's life is one of adventure and excitement. He travels the country, seeing new sights and meeting new people. He is not tied down by a job or a family, and he is free to explore the world around him. He is a man who is always on the lookout for the next adventure.
The vagabond's life is also one of hardship and struggle. He is often cold, hungry, and tired. He sleeps under the stars and eats what he can find. He is a man who is used to living on the edge, and he is not afraid of the challenges that come with his lifestyle.
Despite the hardships, the vagabond is happy with his life. He is free to do as he pleases, and he is not bound by the expectations of others. He is a man who is content with what he has, and he is grateful for the experiences that life has given him.
The vagabond's life is a stark contrast to the lives of those around him. He sees the people in the towns and cities, living their lives in a routine and predictable manner. He sees the people who are tied down by their jobs and their families, and he feels sorry for them. He knows that they will never experience the freedom and adventure that he has.
The vagabond's life is also a commentary on the society of the time. In the late 19th century, Australia was a rapidly developing country, with a growing middle class and a strong sense of national identity. However, there were also many people who were left behind by this progress. The vagabond represents these people, who were often poor and marginalized, and who lived on the fringes of society.
The vagabond's life is a reminder that there is more to life than material possessions and social status. He is a man who has found happiness in the simple things in life, such as the beauty of nature and the kindness of strangers. He is a man who has found freedom in the open road and the endless possibilities that it offers.
In conclusion, The Vagabond is a classic poem that celebrates freedom, adventure, and the open road. It tells the story of a wanderer who lives life on his own terms, free from the constraints of society and the expectations of others. The poem is a reminder that there is more to life than material possessions and social status, and that true happiness can be found in the simple things in life. The Vagabond is a timeless poem that continues to inspire and resonate with people today.
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