Song of the Artesian Water
Song of the Artesian Water by Andrew Barton Paterson is a poem that explores the beauty and tranquility of an artesian well. The speaker describes the well's source, which is said to be "a secret spring" hidden deep within the earth. The water is clear and cold, with a taste that is "like the breath of life." The poem goes on to describe the well's surroundings, including the trees and flowers that grow nearby, and the birds that sing in the branches above. Throughout the poem, Paterson uses vivid imagery and descriptive language to convey the sense of peace and serenity that can be found near the artesian well.
By Andrew Barton Paterson · First published 1908 · Genre: Poetry, Environmental Literature, Australian Literature · 793 words
First lines
Now the stock have started dying, for the Lord has sent a drought; But we're sick of prayers and Providence -- we're going to do without; With the derricks up above us and the solid earth below, We are waiting at the lever for the word to let her go. Sinking down, deeper down, Oh, we'll sink it deeper down: As the drill is plugging downward at a thousand feet of level, If the Lord won't send us water, oh, we'll get it from the devil; Yes, we'll get it from the devil deeper down.
What this Textopian page supports
Song of the Artesian Water is listed on Textopian as a poem by Andrew Barton Paterson, dated 1908 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: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Environmental Literature, Australian Literature
- Length: 793 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — Song of the Artesian Water is a poem by Australian bard A. B. Paterson, hence the genre is primarily poetry
- Environmental Literature — The poem critique over-exploitation of natural resources indicating its relevance in environmental literature
- Australian Literature — The non-fiction work was written by prominent Australian writer and poet, which fits into the genre of Australian Literature
Tags
poetry · nature · water · landscape · australia · outback · desert · travel · adventure · exploration · history · culture