To Show What A Man Can Do

By Henry Lawson

    There has been many a grander deed since man had life to give,     And thousands have gone to certain death, eyes open, that men might live;     And many have gone for their countrys sake, when their numbers were all too few,     And bravely died that their mates may die, to show what a man can do.     Now this is the song of La Bella wreck at the harbour of Warnambool,     And this is the song of a brave, brave man of the grand old simple school:     We all know the forces of circumstance, and we blame not the lifeboat crew,     But this is the song of a fisherman who showed what a man can do.     With a single scull in his strong young hands, and his brave young eyes aglow,     He shot his skill oer the raging hell, where the lifeboat dared not go!     It was twice and thrice that he went again, and the lives they were only two,     But this is the song of The Man Who Knows, and can show what a man can do.     And we need such deeds in this world of ours, lest the hearts of men might fail,     Oh we need such deeds in this world of ours, and a man to tell the tale!     When the eloquent gestures come from the wreck, and never a word comes through,     Oh, we need such deeds in our land to-day to show what a man can do!     And this is the moral of all that is,     And its only known to two     Put out in your dinghy with confidence,     To show what a man can do.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a stirring tribute to the courage and determination of an unnamed hero, believed to be a fisherman, who takes on a dangerous rescue mission. The central themes revolve around bravery, sacrifice, and the human spirit's resilience. The poet employs a narrative structure, recounting the hero's daring exploits in a manner that is almost ballad-like, thus emphasizing the story's emotional intensity and heroic resonance.

The tone of the poem is both reverential and inspiring. The repeated line "to show what a man can do" serves as a refrain, creating a rhythmic, motivational force that underscores the hero's actions and the poet's message. This repetition also highlights the poet's admiration for selfless bravery and his call for more such deeds in a world that often seems disheartening. The poet also uses vivid imagery, particularly in the lines where the fisherman rows his boat into "the raging hell," thereby bringing the tension and danger of the situation to life for the readers.

The poem's closing lines serve as a broader life lesson, suggesting that confidence and belief in one's abilities are key to showcasing one's potential. Overall, the poem is a powerful homage to unsung heroes and a call to action for all to display courage and resilience in the face of adversity.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.


Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.