The Sheep-Washers' Lament
The poem reflects on the decline of the sheep-washing profession and the associated hardships faced by workers over time. It begins with a collective lament for the past, invoking nostalgia for better days when workers were treated with respect and enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle. The speaker reminisces about the years from 1861 to 1866, highlighting the camaraderie among bushmen, their carefree existence, and the abundance of resources provided by their employers. As the narrative progresses, the tone shifts to one of sorrow and disillusionment. The speaker contrasts the past with the present, where the pride and dignity of workers have diminished under the weight of disdain from squatters. The once plentiful provisions and fair wages have been replaced by toil and poverty, leading to a sense of loss and longing for the past. The speaker recalls personal anecdotes of wealth, health, and freedom, emphasizing the stark difference between then and now. The imagery of noble steeds and a carefree lifestyle underscores the transformation from prosperity to struggle. The poem concludes with a call for unity among bushmen, expressing hope for a future where prosperity returns and workers can reclaim their rights and dignity. The overall theme centers on the impact of social and economic changes on the lives of laborers, encapsulating a deep sense of nostalgia and a desire for restoration.
By Andrew Barton Paterson · First published 1895 · Genre: Poetry, Australian Literature, Narrative · 585 words
First lines
(Air: "The Bonnie Irish Boy. ")
Come now, ye sighing washers all, Join in my doleful lay, Mourn for the times none can recall, With hearts to grief a prey. We'll mourn the washer's sad downfall In our regretful strain, Lamenting on the days gone by Ne'er to return again.
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The Sheep-Washers' Lament is listed on Textopian as a poem by Andrew Barton Paterson, dated 1895 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: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Australian Literature, Narrative, Social Commentary, Historical
- Length: 585 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, making it primarily a poem.
- Australian Literature — The poem reflects themes and settings specific to Australian culture and history, particularly the experiences of bushmen.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story of nostalgia and lamentation, following the experiences of sheep washers over time.
- Social Commentary — The poem critiques social changes and the decline of the bushman's lifestyle, addressing issues of class and labor.
Tags
lament · sheep washing · bushman · nostalgia · poverty · regret · Australian literature · Andrew Barton Paterson · rural life · disdain · hardship · community