Outside by Henry Lawson (1903)
The work expresses a deep yearning for freedom and escape from the constraints of urban life and personal troubles. The speaker longs to be on a ship, away from the crowded quay and the emotional burdens associated with the past. There is a desire for camaraderie with fellow travelers, a sense of adventure, and the thrill of the open sea. The imagery evokes a contrast between the suffocating presence of society and the liberating experience of sailing, where one can connect with nature and fellow wanderers. The speaker seeks solace in the simplicity of life at sea, away from the complexities and disappointments of land-based existence. The work captures the essence of longing for a more authentic and unencumbered life, highlighting themes of freedom, companionship, and the allure of exploration.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1903 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Romanticism · 173 words
First lines
I WANT to be lighting my pipe on deck, With my baggage safe below -- I want to be free of the crowded quay, While the steamer's swinging slow. I want to be free of treachery, And of sordid joys and griefs -- To be out of sight of the faces white, And the waving of handkerchiefs.
I want to be making my ship-board friends, I want to be free of the past -- I want to be laughing with kindred souls, While the Heads are opening fast. I want to be sailing far to-day, On the tracks where the rovers go, To feel the heave of the deck, and draw The breath that the rovers know.
What this Textopian page supports
Outside is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Lawson, dated 1903 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: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Romanticism, Australian Literature, Travel Literature
- Length: 173 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Outside 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 Outside?
- 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
- Farewell by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Lenvoi by Rudyard Kipling
- The Far Farers by Robert Louis Stevenson
- A Camp by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Ill Build Myself A Gallant Ship Solo Or Quartette by Sabine Baring Gould
- Bound For The Lord Knows Where by Henry Lawson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and imagery typical of poetry.
- Literary Fiction — The themes of longing for freedom and connection reflect deeper human experiences, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Romanticism — The emphasis on emotion, nature, and individual experience aligns with Romantic literary themes.
- Australian Literature — As a work by Henry Lawson, it reflects the Australian landscape and cultural context.
Tags
freedom · travel · nostalgia · adventure · escape · sea · friendship · journey · solitude · exploration · longing · nature