Opening Day 1887

[Shelley Hansen]

In response to Terry's plea for more poetry, I'm definitely guilty of being slack lately. Unfortunately, I haven't written very much, and it's that, rather than a lack of interest, that has prevented me from sharing poetry on the Forum.

However, I thought I'd share this one that I wrote recently as a commission to celebrate 130 years of our local hospital in Maryborough, Queensland. I took the information from news reports of the original opening day in 1887, and incorporated some of their colourful descriptions into my poem. I recited it in period costume at the commemoration ceremony and it was filmed by the local newspaper. You can see the video here: https://www.frasercoastchronicle.com.au ... oem/49214/

OPENING DAY 1887
© Shelley Hansen 2017

Roll up! Roll up! The time has come!
The merry strains of fife and drum
sing out with celebration song.
Roll up! Roll up … and join the throng!

Come! Watch the large procession file
with banners stretching half-a-mile,
proclaiming as they flutter past:
Our hospital is built at last!

Three thousand people walk beside
official marchers, filled with pride,
until at last in regal state
they reach the grand cast iron gate.

The central ward in festive dress
proclaims a Welcome, and “God Bless”.
The speeches done, a gilded key
unlocks the door for all to see.

Our hospital in Lennox Street
has served us well – but could not meet
our growing needs – and so began
this bold and most ambitious plan.

The stone was laid two years ago
and we have watched these buildings grow
as brick by brick they rose to stand
on Maryborough’s highest land.

And now on this auspicious day
in 1887, they
stand elevated on this site –
a testament to strength and might!

This hospital in these surrounds
has cost us sixteen thousand pounds!
But we’ve had grants, donations too,
ensuring funds would see us through.

The finest structure of its kind
in this vast State – as you will find
if you’ll allow yourself the chance
to take it all in just one glance.

The Christian ladies have a stall
with cake and fruit and drinks for all,
while round the back, the Globe Hotel
has contents of a keg to sell!

There’s fun for all, there’s games to play,
with children’s races underway;
and then beneath the setting sun
we’ll dance until the day is done.

And maybe in a hundred years
and thirty more – they’ll give three cheers
for what our Town achieved today.
Let’s hear it now … HIP! HIP! HOORAY!!

[David Campbell]

Well done, Shelley, it's a fitting tribute and obviously much-appreciated.

Cheers
David

[Shelley Hansen]

Thank you David. I really do enjoy illuminating local history, and in poetic form it usually gets a good audience response, especially if delivered with the lighthearted approach.

When you've had several long speeches at official ceremonies, it's fun to come on and liven up the crowd!

Cheers
Shelley

[Wendy Seddon]

Love this to bits!

I can see little girls in stockings and lace skipping along waving flags
and little boys running in and out pulling plaits.
Parasolled ladies and Bearded gentlem looking forward to tea and beer as may be.

You really looked the part!
Nicely done.

[Shelley Hansen]

Thank you so much Wendy - I'm delighted that it set the scene for you.

Cheers
Shelley