'The Sliprails and the Spur' by Henry Lawson


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The colours of the setting sun
Withdrew across the Western land --
He raised the sliprails, one by one,
And shot them home with trembling hand;
Her brown hands clung -- her face grew pale --
Ah! quivering chin and eyes that brim! --
One quick, fierce kiss across the rail,
And, `Good-bye, Mary!'`Good-bye, Jim!'
Oh, he rides hard to race the pain
Who rides from love, who rides from home;
But he rides slowly home again,
Whose heart has learnt to love and roam.

A hand upon the horse's mane,
And one foot in the stirrup set,
And, stooping back to kiss again,
With `Good-bye, Mary! don't you fret!
When I come back' -- he laughed for her --
`We do not know how soon 'twill be;
I'll whistle as I round the spur --
You let the sliprails down for me.'

She gasped for sudden loss of hope,
As, with a backward wave to her,
He cantered down the grassy slope
And swiftly round the dark'ning spur.
Black-pencilled panels standing high,
And darkness fading into stars,
And blurring fast against the sky,
A faint white form beside the bars.

And often at the set of sun,
In winter bleak and summer brown,
She'd steal across the little run,
And shyly let the sliprails down.
And listen there when darkness shut
The nearer spur in silence deep;
And when they called her from the hut
Steal home and cry herself to sleep.

.....

{Some editions have four more lines here.}
And he rides hard to dull the pain
Who rides from one that loves him best;
And he rides slowly back again,
Whose restless heart must rove for rest.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Sliprails and the Spur: A Masterpiece of Australian Poetry

Henry Lawson's "The Sliprails and the Spur" is a masterpiece of Australian poetry that captures the rugged beauty and harsh realities of life in the Australian bush. Written in 1899, the poem tells the story of a lonely drover who is riding his horse through the bush at night. As he rides, he reflects on his life and the challenges he has faced, including loneliness, poverty, and the harsh conditions of the bush.

The poem is written in a straightforward, narrative style that is typical of Lawson's work. He uses simple language and vivid imagery to create a powerful and evocative portrait of life in the bush. The drover is a sympathetic character, and Lawson's portrayal of him is both realistic and moving.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its description of the landscape. Lawson's descriptions of the bush are both beautiful and haunting. He captures the harshness of the terrain, as well as its beauty and majesty. He describes the trees and the rocks, the stars in the sky and the moon on the horizon. He brings the landscape to life in a way that is both vivid and haunting.

The drover himself is also a fascinating character. He is a man who has faced many challenges in his life, including poverty, loneliness, and the harsh conditions of the bush. He is a man who has had to rely on his wits and his strength to survive. He is a man who has seen the best and the worst of humanity, and he has learned to face life with courage and resilience.

Lawson's portrayal of the drover is both sympathetic and realistic. He captures the loneliness and isolation that many people in the bush feel. He also captures the resilience and strength that is required to survive in such a harsh environment. Through the drover's eyes, we see the beauty and the tragedy of life in the bush.

The poem also contains a powerful message about the human condition. It speaks to the universal themes of life, death, and the struggle for survival. It reminds us that we are all part of a larger, universal struggle, and that we must all find our own way in the world.

Overall, "The Sliprails and the Spur" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of life in the Australian bush. It is a testament to Lawson's skill as a poet, and to his deep understanding of the human condition. It is a poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Sliprails and the Spur: A Classic Poetry Analysis

Henry Lawson, one of the most celebrated Australian poets, wrote The Sliprails and the Spur in 1887. The poem is a classic representation of the Australian bush and its people. It is a narrative poem that tells the story of a drover who is travelling through the bush with his cattle. The poem is a beautiful depiction of the harsh realities of life in the bush and the struggles of the people who live there.

The poem begins with the drover's journey through the bush. He is travelling with his cattle, and he is tired and weary. The drover is a symbol of the Australian bushman, who is tough and resilient. He has been travelling for days, and he is looking for a place to rest. The drover comes across a station, and he decides to stop there for a while.

The station is a symbol of civilization in the bush. It is a place where the drover can rest and replenish his supplies. The station is also a place where the drover can interact with other people. The drover meets the station owner, who is a wealthy man. The station owner is a symbol of the wealthy class in Australia. He is a man who has made his fortune through hard work and determination.

The drover and the station owner have a conversation, and they talk about the bush and the people who live there. The station owner tells the drover that the bush is a tough place to live, and that only the strong survive. The drover agrees with him, and he tells the station owner that he loves the bush because it is a place where he can be free.

The poem then takes a turn, and the drover decides to leave the station. He is tired of the civilization and the people who live there. He wants to go back to the bush, where he can be free. The drover leaves the station, and he heads back into the bush.

The poem ends with the drover's journey through the bush. He is alone, and he is happy. He is free to do what he wants, and he is at peace with himself. The poem is a beautiful representation of the Australian bush and its people. It is a poem that celebrates the toughness and resilience of the Australian bushman.

The Sliprails and the Spur is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that is still relevant today, as it was when it was first written. The poem is a celebration of the Australian bush and its people. It is a poem that reminds us of the importance of freedom and resilience.

In conclusion, The Sliprails and the Spur is a beautiful poem that celebrates the Australian bush and its people. It is a poem that reminds us of the importance of freedom and resilience. The poem is a classic representation of the Australian bush, and it is a poem that will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

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