Flash Jack from Gundagai
The narrative centers on a skilled shearer known for his prowess in the wool-shearing industry across various Australian locations. The protagonist reflects on his experiences working at different sheep stations, expressing a sense of nostalgia for his home at One Tree Plain, where he has worked for Tom Patterson. The shearer boasts about his abilities, claiming he can achieve a respectable tally whenever he chooses, and is recognized in the backcountry as "Flash Jack" from Gundagai. He recounts his travels to numerous stations, including Burrabogie, Toganmain, and the Barcoo, highlighting the physical demands and camaraderie of the shearing life. Throughout the verses, he describes the techniques he employs, such as using Wolseleys and B-bows, and the pride he takes in his work, ensuring he never compromises quality. The shearer's lifestyle is depicted as one of hard work followed by indulgence, as he mentions his tendency to squander earnings on drinking after a successful shearing stint. The narrative culminates in a reflection on mortality and the inevitability of death, with the shearer expressing a desire to return to One Tree Plain when his time comes. The work captures the essence of the shearer's life, blending themes of pride, nostalgia, and the transient nature of work and life in the Australian outback.
By Andrew Barton Paterson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Australian Literature, Narrative · 558 words
First lines
I've shore at Burrabogie, and I've shore at Toganmain, I've shore at big Willandra and upon the old Coleraine, But before the shearin' was over I've wished myself back, again Shearin' for old Tom Patterson, on the One Tree Plain.
Chorus All among the wool, boys, Keep your wide blades full, boys, I can do a respectable tally myself whenever I like to try, But they know me round the back blocks as Flash Jack from Gundagai.
What this Textopian page supports
Flash Jack from Gundagai is listed on Textopian as a poem by Andrew Barton Paterson, dated 1890 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Andrew Barton Paterson
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Australian Literature, Narrative, Ballad, Humor
- Length: 558 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Australian Literature — The poem reflects Australian culture, specifically the life of shearers and rural settings in Australia.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story about the experiences and adventures of a shearer, Flash Jack.
- Ballad — The structure and storytelling style align with the characteristics of a ballad, often recounting tales of everyday life.
Tags
Australian poetry · shearing · bush ballad · rural life · Gundagai · sheep farming · nostalgia · work ethic · local culture · adventure · humor · landscape