Homework WE 18/7/19 - Digging for Gold

[Shelley Hansen]

My goodness, what an array of fine poems this set of prompts has generated! With four hard acts to follow, I am bringing up the rear with my effort. A couple of historical notes -
- Gold was discovered in Bendigo in 1851, and goldrush fever spread fast.
- Charles "Black Douglas" Russell was a notorious bushranger who preyed on those travelling the road from Bendigo to Melbourne.

DIGGING FOR GOLD
(c) Shelley Hansen 12/7/19

I caught the goldrush fever in the spring of fifty-one
when I was still a lad with hopes and dreams.
In search of fame and fortune, my obsession had begun
to turn my youthful fantasies to schemes.
I packed my bag for Bendigo – ten shillings in my purse –
the lights of Cobb and Co outshone the miles.
I left behind my father’s farm, for better or for worse –
the wheatfields of the Mallee held no wiles.

Digging for gold, digging for gold –
blistering summers and harsh winter cold.
Seeking one nugget to have and to hold –
digging for gold.

The gold and painted parchment lit a fire within my heart,
the colours of the diggings burned my eyes.
In webs of golden thread I was encircled from the start,
entrapped – believing I would win the prize.
A circle filled with diamonds held no thoughts of joy for me,
I turned away from opals streaked with red.
The fever raged relentless – it would never set me free –
delirium was dancing in my head.

Digging for gold, digging for gold –
spellbound – you’ll never return to the fold.
Snared by the Devil, your honour was sold –
digging for gold.

The cruel bewitching siren held reward beyond my hand
till, penniless and hungry, I resolved
to go bushranging, joining with “Black Douglas” Russell’s band –
and soon in lawless acts I was involved.
With shame I think of father’s farm, of mother’s bitter tears,
I know too well that death will be my fate.
If only I could turn back time, go back to happy years …
Alas! My sad heart cries, “Too late! Too late!”

Digging for gold, digging for gold –
destined to die with your story untold.
Weep, Irish lad – you will never grow old –
digging for gold.

[Catherine Lee]

Wow, Shelley - this is excellent, as always! Maureen will be telling you to enter this one somewhere, for sure...are you putting it to music? I hope so

[Maureen K Clifford]

You reading my mind now Catherine that's exactly what I was going to say and also to run it by Manfred as I hear the song in it and Mannie has lots of muso friends. I like it very much Shelley - IPF for sure

[Neville Briggs]

Very good Shelley. You have the flavour of the era, romantic dreams and sordid reality.

[Shelley Hansen]

Thank you Catherine, Maureen and Neville - much appreciated.

A few inverted phrases crept in, I'm afraid - but I thought as it is in the form of an old-fashioned dirge, I might be able to get away with them!

You never know, Maureen - there might be a competition coming up that would suit it. It's a bit short for Ipswich, but it's good to have a couple of shorter ones on ice for those comps who impose limits of fewer lines.

A song? Mmm - not sure if composing is my forte, Catherine - but I do have a friend ....

Cheers
Shelley

[Maureen K Clifford]

I disagree Shelley - it is certainly not too short for the IPF - give it a run

[Shelley Hansen]

Mmm, I once got critized by a judge (not in Ipswich) for submitting a shorter poem in a competition with unrestricted line length. The basis of the criticism was lack of endeavour and commitment to the task.

I know we've discussed this subject before so I'm not trying to reopen the debate, but like you, I don't think that longer is necessarily better. Quality can be evident in any length of poem. Also, judges have differing views on this subject.

However since then if a competition has set a limit of 80 or more lines or if it is unlimited, I do try for a minimum of around 56. That's for serious. I have submitted shorter ones for humorous.

So I save my shorter serious ones for those comps which set limits of 40, 50 or 60 lines. There are a few of them.

Cheers
Shelley

[Terry]

G/day Shelley

Well if you can't find it yourself; may as well help yourself to someone else's gold.
There were plenty more out there doing the same.

Well done, it always interesting to what sort of a slant we all put on things.
I did plenty of digging, but fortunately didn't have to rob anyone.

Cheers

Terry