The Australian Stockman

This poem is a rich exploration of nature, evoking a sense of immediacy and connection to the Australian landscape. The central theme is the celebration of the rugged, untamed wilderness, as opposed to the confined, dusty urban life. The imagery is vivid, painting a picture of a dense forest, mountain streams, and native creatures like the night owl and the dingo. The poet also makes effective use of repetition, notably in the phrases "looks down on the stockyard fence" and "in the wild goburras song," which emphasize the omnipresence of nature and the harmonious relationship between its elements.

The poem's structure, interspersed with a chorus, gives it a rhythmic, song-like quality, reinforcing the theme of nature's music, embodied in the "wild goburras song." This structure also creates a sense of progression, from the rising sun to the fleeing night owl and prowling dingo, culminating in the joyous galloping of the steed. The tone is one of reverence and joy, with an undertone of defiance against those who value the city's wealth more than the beauty of the natural world. The poet employs personification, attributing human characteristics to the sun, creeks, night owl, and dingo, thus enhancing the sense of unity between human and nature. In conclusion, this poem is a vibrant ode to the Australian wilderness, its mystique, and its music.