Another Fall of Rain
The poem depicts the life of shearers in the Australian outback, emphasizing their struggles and camaraderie during a prolonged dry spell. The shearers are working hard, driven by the desire to achieve personal milestones, such as shearing a hundred sheep, while grappling with the physical toll of their labor. The oppressive heat and the aching bodies of the workers create a sense of urgency for rain, which is seen as a relief from their toil. As the weather changes, the anticipation of rain brings hope and a sense of community among the shearers. They gather to enjoy each other's company, playing games and music while waiting for the rain to arrive. The arrival of rain symbolizes not only physical relief but also a return to productivity, as it rejuvenates the land and the sheep, allowing the shearers to continue their work with renewed vigor. The poem captures the cyclical nature of life in the outback, where weather conditions directly impact the livelihood of the shearers. The joy of rain is contrasted with the harsh realities of their labor, highlighting themes of resilience, camaraderie, and the connection between humans and nature. The shearers' hopes for rain reflect their dependence on the environment, underscoring the challenges faced in their demanding profession. Ultimately, the poem celebrates the spirit of the shearers and their ability to find joy and purpose in their work, even amidst hardship.
By Andrew Barton Paterson · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Narrative, Australian Literature · 502 words
First lines
(Air: "Little Low Log Cabin in the Lane. ")
The weather had been sultry for a fortnight's time or more, And the shearers had been driving might and main, For some had got the century who'd ne'er got it before, And now all hands were wishing for the rain.
What this Textopian page supports
Another Fall of Rain is listed on Textopian as a short story by Andrew Barton Paterson, dated 1902 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Andrew Barton Paterson
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Narrative, Australian Literature, Folk Song, Humor
- Length: 502 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story about shearers and their experiences, which aligns with narrative elements.
- Australian Literature — The setting and themes reflect Australian culture and rural life, making it a significant work in Australian literature.
- Folk Song — The poem has qualities of a folk song, capturing the oral tradition and communal experiences of shearers.
Tags
Australian poetry · shearing · rain · weather · labor · rural life · hardship · community · nature · agriculture · shearers · work ethic