Author: Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

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The grey gull sat on a floating whale,
On a floating whale sat he,
And he told his tale of the storm and the gale,
And the ships that he saw with steam and sail,
As he flew by the Northern Sea.

"I have seen a sign that is strange and new,
That I never before did see:
A flying ship that roared as it flew,
The storm and the tempest driving through,
It carried a flag and it carried a crew,
Now what would that be?" said he.

"And the flag was a Jack with stars displayed,
A flag that is new to me;
For it does not ply in the Northern trade,
But it drove through the storm-wrack unafraid,
Now, what is that flag?" said he.

"I have seen that flag that is starred with white,"
Said a southern gull, said he,
"And saw it fly in a bloody fight,
When the raider Emden turned in flight,
And crashed on the Cocos lee."

"And who are these folk whose flag is first
Of all the flags that fly
To dare the storm and the fog accurst,
Of the great North Sea where the bergs are nursed,
And the Northern Lights ride high?"

"The Australian folk," said a lone sea-mew,
"The Australian flag," said he.
"It is strange that a folk that is far and few
Should fly their flag where there never flew
Another flag!" said he.

"I have followed their flag in the fields of France,
With its white stars flying free,
And no misfortune and no mischance
Could turn them back from their line of advance,
Or the line that they held," said he.

"Whenever there's ever rule to break,
Wherever they oughtn't to be,
With a death to dare and a risk to take,
A track to find or a way to make,
You will find them there," said he.

"They come from a land that is parched with thirst,
An inland land," said he,
"On risk and danger their breed is nursed,
And thus it happens their flag is first
To fly in the Northern Sea."

"Though Hawker perished, he overcame
The risks of the storm and the sea,
And his name shall be written in stars of flame,
On the topmost walls of the Temple of Fame,
For the rest of the world to see."

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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 is a compelling narrative that intertwines themes of exploration, courage, national identity, and the power of nature. The story is told through the perspective of seabirds, a device that adds an element of detachment and universality, providing a broader view of human endeavors.

The poem's tone is both reflective and admiring. It depicts individuals and a nation (Australia, as indicated by the "flag that is starred with white") that are unafraid of taking risks and breaking boundaries, even in the face of the harsh and unpredictable "Northern Sea". This sense of resilience and adventurous spirit is a major theme in the poem. The narrative is structured in a series of questions and answers, which adds an engaging dynamic and allows for a gradual reveal of information.

A standout literary device used is personification, as seen in lines like "the storm and the tempest driving through". The use of repitition and rhyme gives the poem a rhythmic, song-like quality that adds to its overall appeal. The final lines pay tribute to Hawker, a figure symbolic of courage and determination, further reinforcing the poem's themes.

Overall, the poem uses vivid imagery, strong themes, and a unique narrative style to create an impactful reflection on human courage, national pride, and the awe-inspiring power of nature.