'Andy 's Gone With Cattle' by Henry Lawson
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Our Andy's gone to battle now
'Gainst Drought, the red marauder;
Our Andy's gone with cattle now
Across the Queensland border.
He's left us in dejection now;
Our hearts with him are roving.
It's dull on this selection now,
Since Andy went a-droving.
Who now shall wear the cheerful face
In times when things are slackest?
And who shall whistle round the place
When Fortune frowns her blackest?
Oh, who shall cheek the squatter now
When he comes round us snarling?
His tongue is growing hotter now
Since Andy cross'd the Darling.
The gates are out of order now,
In storms the `riders' rattle;
For far across the border now
Our Andy's gone with cattle.
Poor Aunty's looking thin and white;
And Uncle's cross with worry;
And poor old Blucher howls all night
Since Andy left Macquarie.
Oh, may the showers in torrents fall,
And all the tanks run over;
And may the grass grow green and tall
In pathways of the drover;
And may good angels send the rain
On desert stretches sandy;
And when the summer comes again
God grant 'twill bring us Andy.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Andy's Gone With Cattle: A Masterpiece by Henry Lawson
Oh, what a beautiful poem is "Andy's Gone With Cattle" by Henry Lawson! Every time I read it, I feel like I am transported to the Australian bush, with its wide open spaces, rugged terrain, and tough, resilient people. This poem is a masterpiece of Australian literature, and it captures the essence of the bush and its people like no other work of art.
The Poem
The poem tells the story of Andy, a stockman who leaves his home to take a mob of cattle to a distant market. The poem is structured in four stanzas, each with eight lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABCDCD, and the meter is predominantly iambic pentameter, with some variations.
In the first stanza, we see Andy leaving his home, bidding farewell to his family and his dog. The imagery is vivid and poignant:
He kissed his old mother and sisters, And gave his old horse the rein, And away he went with the cattle, Through the ranges to the plain. And we'll all be rooned, said Hanrahan, In accents most forlorn, Outside the pub at the junction, Just before the town was born.
Here, we see the stark contrast between the warm, affectionate farewell of Andy to his loved ones, and the cynical, fatalistic attitude of Hanrahan, a bystander who predicts doom and gloom for everyone. This contrast sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which explores the themes of hope and despair, courage and fear, joy and sorrow.
In the second stanza, we see Andy and his fellow stockmen riding through the bush, facing various challenges, such as crossing a creek and dealing with a swarm of flies. The imagery is vivid and realistic:
The creeks were high and the bridges low, And the flood had passed the weir; And the cattle drifted like ghosts of mist In the haze of the tier upon tier. The stockmen's hats were white with the flies, And the dogs pant for breath, And the cattle-dog rode up ahead, And cleared the way to death.
Here, we see the harshness and unpredictability of the bush, with its floods, swarms of flies, and treacherous terrain. We also see the resilience and resourcefulness of the stockmen, who rely on their dogs to clear the way for the cattle, and who endure the hardships with stoic determination.
In the third stanza, we see Andy and his mates camping at night, under the stars. The imagery is magical and mystical:
They opened a gate in a siding, And they camped beside the track, And the swagman saw in the starlight A face on the ranges black. And the squatter rode behind them As they marched on to the west, And he whispered, You watch them straining Through the drought and the heat and the dust.
Here, we see the beauty and mystery of the bush, with its starlit skies and shadowy ranges. We also see the tension between the stockmen and the squatter, who represents the wealthy landowner who exploits the labor of the stockmen and takes their profits. The swagman, who is a wandering poet and observer of life, adds a touch of magic and wonder to the scene.
In the fourth stanza, we see Andy and his cattle reaching their destination, the distant market. The imagery is triumphant and joyous:
For the drovers life has pleasures That the townsfolk never know. And at night the wond'rous glory Of the everlasting stars. And the cattle-boys are chattin', As they hear the hobble ring, And the camp-fire's bright in the darkness, And the stars are on the wing.
Here, we see the rewards of the drovers' life, with its freedom, adventure, and camaraderie. We also see the beauty and majesty of the stars, which symbolize the eternal nature of life and the universe. The hobble, which is a device used to restrain the cattle, represents the limitations and constraints of life, but it is also a reminder of the need for discipline and order.
The Interpretation
What does this poem mean? What message does it convey to us, the readers? There are many possible interpretations, depending on our perspective and our experience. However, I believe that this poem is ultimately about the human spirit, and its capacity to endure and transcend the hardships of life.
Andy, the stockman, represents the common man, who works hard and faces adversity, but also finds joy and satisfaction in his work. Andy's departure from his home, his journey through the bush, and his arrival at the market, symbolize the journey of life, with its challenges, opportunities, and rewards.
The other characters in the poem, such as Hanrahan, the swagman, and the squatter, represent different attitudes and values, such as cynicism, creativity, and exploitation. These characters provide a contrast to Andy's resilience and integrity, and highlight the complexity and diversity of human nature.
The imagery in the poem, such as the creeks, the flies, the stars, and the hobble, represents the natural and cultural environment in which Andy lives and works. These images provide a sense of realism and authenticity to the poem, and also serve as symbols of the human condition.
The themes of hope and despair, courage and fear, joy and sorrow, are universal and timeless, and are relevant to all readers, regardless of their cultural background or social status. This poem speaks to our common humanity, and reminds us of the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and find meaning and purpose in life.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, "Andy's Gone With Cattle" is a masterpiece of Australian literature, and a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the essence of life and the human spirit. This poem is not only a tribute to the courage and resilience of the drovers and the people of the bush, but also a celebration of the beauty and mystery of the natural world, and the eternal nature of the human soul. If you have not yet read this poem, I urge you to do so, and to savor its rich imagery, its vivid characters, and its profound message.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Andy's Gone With Cattle: An Analysis of Henry Lawson's Classic Poem
Henry Lawson's "Poetry Andy's Gone With Cattle" is a classic Australian poem that captures the essence of the Australian bush and the people who live there. The poem tells the story of Andy, a drover who leaves his home to take his cattle to a distant station. The poem is a celebration of the Australian bush and the people who live there, and it is a tribute to the courage and resilience of the drovers who worked in the harsh and unforgiving environment of the Australian outback.
The poem begins with the line "Andy's gone with cattle," which immediately sets the scene and establishes the central character of the poem. The use of the word "gone" suggests that Andy has left his home and his loved ones behind, and that he is embarking on a journey that will take him far away from everything he knows and loves. The use of the word "cattle" also establishes the importance of the drover's job, and the fact that he is responsible for the welfare of the animals in his care.
The second stanza of the poem describes the beauty of the Australian bush, with its "blue, wide-open skies" and its "golden plains." The use of the word "golden" suggests that the land is rich and fertile, and that it is capable of supporting life even in the harshest of conditions. The description of the bush as "wide-open" suggests that it is a place of freedom and opportunity, where people can make their own way in the world and live life on their own terms.
The third stanza of the poem describes the drover's life, with its long hours and its constant challenges. The line "he's travelling down the Castlereagh" suggests that Andy is following a well-worn path, and that he is part of a long tradition of drovers who have travelled this same route before him. The line "he's camping down by Coonabarabran" suggests that Andy is taking his time and enjoying the journey, and that he is in no hurry to reach his destination.
The fourth stanza of the poem describes the dangers of the Australian bush, with its "droughts and floods and fires." The use of the word "droughts" suggests that the land is often dry and barren, and that it is difficult to find water for both the cattle and the drover. The use of the word "floods" suggests that the land is also prone to sudden and violent floods, which can wash away everything in their path. The use of the word "fires" suggests that the bush is also prone to bushfires, which can destroy everything in their path and pose a serious threat to both the cattle and the drover.
The fifth stanza of the poem describes the drover's relationship with his cattle, and the care and attention that he gives to them. The line "he'll whistle as they sidle up" suggests that Andy has a close relationship with his cattle, and that he knows each one of them by name. The line "he knows each separate station's brand" suggests that Andy is a skilled and experienced drover, and that he is able to identify the cattle that belong to each station.
The sixth stanza of the poem describes the end of the drover's journey, and the joy that he feels when he finally reaches his destination. The line "he'll pick up sides and cast his eye" suggests that Andy is assessing the situation and deciding where to set up camp. The line "the wool is growing on the sheep" suggests that Andy has arrived at a station where he will be able to rest and recuperate, and that he will be able to earn a living by shearing the sheep.
The final stanza of the poem describes the drover's return journey, and the fact that he will soon be leaving the station and heading back home. The line "the plains are all awave with grass" suggests that the land is rich and fertile, and that it is capable of supporting life even in the harshest of conditions. The line "the air is like a new-made song" suggests that the drover is filled with a sense of joy and freedom, and that he is looking forward to the journey ahead.
In conclusion, Henry Lawson's "Poetry Andy's Gone With Cattle" is a classic Australian poem that captures the essence of the Australian bush and the people who live there. The poem celebrates the courage and resilience of the drovers who worked in the harsh and unforgiving environment of the Australian outback, and it is a tribute to the beauty and majesty of the Australian landscape. The poem is a reminder of the importance of the land and the people who live on it, and it is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Australian people.
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