To The Irish Delegates

By Henry Lawson

Lyric Poem
    Farewell! The gold we send shall be a token     Of that which in our hearts is growing strong;     You asked our sympathy, and we have spoken,     They wrong us who our brothers rob and wrong.     Tell Ireland, tell her in her desolation,     That hearts within the South for her have bled,     That scalding tears of helpless indignation     By eyes that read her cruel wrongs are shed.     Helpless no more! but strong to act hereafter,     For silenced arc the loyal subjects sneers,     Too long have Irelands wrongs been words of laughter,     Arch-mockery to tickle British ears.     Tell Ireland that they lie of us, they slander,     Who say we care not for anothers wrong;     For we are not the men to kneel and pander     To tyranny, because the tyrants strong.     Take back across the waves Australias message,     And say our hearts are big, and strong our hands,     Tell Ireland that for her is surest presage     Of fate as fair as of these Southern lands.

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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 address to Ireland from an Australian perspective, laden with themes of solidarity, empathy, and defiance against oppression. The tone throughout is one of strong conviction and shared struggle, with the speaker asserting their sympathy for Ireland's 'cruel wrongs' and their refusal to 'kneel and pander to tyranny'. The poem also conveys a sense of hope and promise for Ireland, with the assurance that a better future is possible, similar to 'these Southern lands'.

The structure of the poem is consistent, with each stanza composed of four lines. The rhyme scheme ABAB provides a rhythmic flow that emphasizes the poem's message. A standout literary device is the personification of the countries involved (Australia and Ireland), a technique that gives these nations a human-like quality, fostering empathy and relatability. This is especially evident in lines like "Tell Ireland, tell her in her desolation", making Ireland not just a geographical entity but a character deserving of compassion and justice. The use of an apostrophe in addressing Ireland directly brings a sense of immediacy and emotional intensity to the poem. The poem is indeed a powerful testament to international unity in the face of adversity, a call to arms against injustice, and a beacon of hope for a better future.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.