Author: Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

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On the outer Barcoo where the churches are few,
And men of religion are scanty,
On a road never cross'd 'cept by folk that are lost,
One Michael Magee had a shanty.

Now this Mike was the dad of a ten-year-old lad,
Plump, healthy, and stoutly conditioned;
He was strong as the best, but poor Mike had no rest
For the youngster had never been christened.

And his wife used to cry, "If the darlin' should die
Saint Peter would not recognize him."
But by luck he survived till a preacher arrived,
Who agreed straightaway to baptize him.

Now the artful young rogue, while they held their collogue,
With his ear to the keyhole was listenin';
And he muttered in fright, while his features turned white,
"What the divil and all is this christenin'?"

He was none of your dolts, He had seen them brand colts,
And it seemed to his small understanding,
If the man in the frock made him one of the flock,
It must mean something very like branding.

So away with a rush he set off for the bush,
While the tears in his eyelids they glistened,
"'Tis outrageous," says he, "to brand youngsters like me;
I'll be dashed if I'll stop to be christened!"

Like a young native dog he ran into a log,
And his father with language uncivil,
Never heeding the "praste", cried aloud in his haste
"Come out and be christened, you divil!"

But he lay there as snug as a bug in a rug,
And his parents in vain might reprove him,
Till his reverence spoke (he was fond of a joke)
"I've a notion," says he, "that'll move him.

"Poke a stick up the log, give the spalpeen a prog;
Poke him aisy, don't hurt him or maim him;
'Tis not long that he'll stand, I've the water at hand,
As he rushes out this end I'll name him.

"Here he comes, and for shame, ye've forgotten the name,
Is it Patsy or Michael or Dinnis?"
Here the youngster ran out, and the priest gave a shout,
"Take your chance, anyhow, wid `Maginnis'!"

As the howling young cub ran away to the scrub
Where he knew that pursuit would be risky,
The priest, as he fled, flung a flask at his head
That was labeled "Maginnis's Whiskey"!

Now Maginnis Magee has been made a J.P.,
And the one thing he hates more than sin is
To be asked by the folk, who have heard of the joke,
How he came to be christened Maginnis!

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Type of Poem: Narrative Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem utilizes a narrative structure to tell a humorous and engaging story set in a remote, scarcely populated region. The primary themes revolve around religion, childhood innocence, misunderstanding, and identity. The tone is light and jovially satirical, emphasizing the playful misinterpretation of religious customs by a young boy.

The author employs rhyme and rhythm effectively, creating a lively pace that complements the story's amusing nature. The consistent ABAB rhyme scheme enhances the narrative flow, while the colloquial language and regional dialect contribute to the poem's authentic and vivid setting. The use of dialogue is particularly noteworthy as it brings the characters to life, allowing readers to become more invested in the story and enhancing the poem's humor.

In terms of literary devices, the poet uses metaphor ("Like a young native dog he ran into a log") and simile ("as snug as a bug in a rug") for descriptive purposes, further enriching the narrative. The poem concludes with a twist that gives a full circle to the narrative and adds an extra layer of humor. The unexpected ending also implies a commentary on how random incidents can sometimes shape one's identity and destiny, adding depth to an otherwise light-hearted poem.