Homework WE 18/7/19 - Digging for Gold
Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2019 6:12 pm
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.
- 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.