To Jack by Henry Lawson — Stanza

free-verse48 lines

To Jack

by Henry Lawson

So, I've battled it through on my own, Jack,

I have done with all dreaming and doubt.

Though 'stoney' to-night and alone, Jack,

I am watching the Old Year out.

I have finished with brooding and fears,

Jack, And the spirit is rising in me,

For the sake of the old New Years, Jack,

And the bright New Years to be.

I have fallen in worldly disgrace, Jack,

And I know very well that you heard;

They have blackened my name in this place, Jack,

And I answered them never a word.

But why should I bluster or grieve,

Jack? So narrow and paltry they be,

I knew you would never believe, Jack,

The lies that were said against me.

That is done which shall never be undone,

And I blame not, I blame not my land,

But I'm hearing the Calling of London,

And I long for the roar of the Strand.

It was always the same with our race,

Jack; You know how a vagabond feels,

We can fight a straight man face to face, Jack.

But we can't keep the curs from our heels.

You know I loved women and drink, Jack,

And that's how the trouble began;

But you know that I never would shrink,

Jack, From a deed that was worthy a man!

I never was paltry or mean, Jack.

And cruel I never could be,

I will give you a hand which is clean,

Jack, When we meet again over the sea.

I will bring a few wrinkles of care,

Jack; I have altered a lot, I am told;

The steel-filings show in my hair, Jack;

But my heart is as young as of old.

I have faith still in women, and men, Jack,

Though selfish and blind they may be.

I still have my soul and my pen, Jack,

And my country seems dearer to me.

I will sail when your summer sets in, Jack,

And good-bye to my own native land;

Oh, I long for a glimpse of your grin, Jack,

And I long for the grip of your hand.

We both suffered sorrow and pain, Jack,

And sinned in the days that are done;

But we'll fight the old battle again, Jack,

Where the battle is worth being won.