After All by Henry Lawson (1902)
The poem explores the theme of regret and longing for a lost love. The speaker reflects on past memories and acknowledges that they have been changed by their experiences. They express a sense of resignation and acceptance, but also a lingering attachment to what has been lost. The tone is melancholic and introspective, with a focus on the emotional aftermath of a failed relationship.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Romantic · 338 words
First lines
The brooding ghosts of Australian night have gone from the bush and town; My spirit revives in the morning breeze, though it died when the sun went down; The river is high and the stream is strong, and the grass is green and tall, And I fain would think that this world of ours is a good world after all.
The light of passion in dreamy eyes, and a page of truth well read, The glorious thrill in a heart grown cold of the spirit I thought was dead, A song that goes to a comrade's heart, and a tear of pride let fall -- And my soul is strong! and the world to me is a grand world after all!
What this Textopian page supports
After All is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Lawson, dated 1902 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Lawson
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Romantic, Australian Literature
- Length: 338 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for After All by Henry Lawson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering After All?
- How does this poem by Henry Lawson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Forard by Henry Lawson
- Rain In The Mountains by Henry Lawson
- New Years Night by Henry Lawson
- A Day On A Selection by Henry Lawson
- The Strangers Friend by Henry Lawson
- Bill And Jim Fall Out by Henry Lawson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential reflections on life, optimism, and the human condition.
- Romantic — The text contains elements of personal emotion and introspection, often associated with romantic literature.
- Australian Literature — The setting and cultural references are distinctly Australian, reflecting the national identity.
Tags
Australian Literature · Short Story Collection · Realism · Regional Fiction · Social Commentary · Poverty · Class Struggle · Rural Life · Outback · Isolation · Loneliness · Human Condition