To Sea

[reverie]

Wrote this poem for a comparative history class I'm taking. I have to write a journal in the voice of a character from 1915 Sydney Australia and age him every 5 years for each journal entry.

 

So, I figured I might as well have some fun with it and open up each entry with a poem.

 

This is probably the first sonnet I've ever come close to pulling off, by the way. Also, I've hyperlinked some the more obscure Aussie references since not everyone is up to date on early 20th century Australia.

 

 

 

To Sea

 

Had old Simon Taylor’s cells been but full,

Or The Island’s need of thimbled hands

Made Parkhurst dad, their reluctant tool?

Then Britain would not your William now demand.

 

If then tailor had not forsaken thread

To fossick too near a cockie’s cook

Would Jenna have had her William wed,

Or Joseph and Sarah upon to look?

 

Do not dismay dear Jenna now my pride--

By you, the Empire sounds a hollow cry,

And why redeem a father’s childish slide,

When rain’s not falling and withered fields are dry.

 

If there is a cause to rally to most true.

Then Jenna darling, believe me it is you.

Edited October 18, 2006 by reverie