The Days when we Went Swimming by Henry Lawson
This poem explores the nostalgia and longing for a lost era of innocence and simplicity. It describes a group of children swimming in a river on a hot summer day, carefree and untroubled by the complexities of adulthood. The speaker reflects on how these idyllic days have passed, leaving behind only memories of joy and freedom.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Nostalgia, Coming-of-Age · 384 words
First lines
The breezes waved the silver grass, / Waist-high along the siding, / And to the creek we ne'er could pass / Three boys on bare-back riding; / Beneath the sheoaks in the bend / The waterhole was brimming -- / Do you remember yet, old friend, / The times we ‘went in swimming?'
The days we ‘played the wag' from school -- / Joys shared -- and paid for singly -- / The air was hot, the water cool -- / And naked boys are kingly! / With mud for soap the sun to dry -- / A well planned lie to stay us, / And dust well rubbed on neck and face / Lest cleanliness betray us.
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Nostalgia — The themes revolve around reminiscing about childhood experiences and past joys.
- Coming-of-Age — The narrative reflects on youthful adventures and the transition from innocence to experience.
- Rural Life — The setting and characters are deeply rooted in a rural environment, highlighting aspects of country living.
Tags
Australian Literature · Coming-of-Age Story · Fiction · Humor · Nostalgia · Satire · Social Commentary · Storytelling · Autobiographical Elements · Childhood Memories · Family Life · Growing Up
What this Textopian page supports
The Days when we Went Swimming 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, Nostalgia, Coming-of-Age, Rural Life, Humor
- Length: 384 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Days when we Went Swimming by Henry Lawson
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