Mary Gilmore considered herself fore-mostly as a socialist, then as a poet. She was well travelled, had a son, with a passion to campaign for better rights for our First Nation Peoples and the soldiers returning from world war one. She has the outstanding fame of being featured on our $10 note, strange considering the general attitude towards socialism here.
The links share more, with this first one more knowledgeable. This one is from banknotes, and this from the press club. where I found this quote about her …
“Dame Mary Gilmore was a contradictory character. She was an ardent internationalist but a fierce nationalist. She was a staunch socialist who revered the monarchy. She was a pacifist who was convinced that Australia should prevail over its enemies in both World Wars.”
The Dear Old Town
When I first saw the dear old town
Emus went walking up and down,
Or in a doorway poked a head
Asking in hope, a crust of bread.
Wagga was bush in those far days;
What now are streets were trodden ways:
Between the trees, and through the grass,
Where kangaroos walked. sometimes pass-
Houses were slab and roofs were bark,
No windows, then, a child might mark;
But just a shutter thing with hide,
Which sun or wind, or rain defied …
A town I spent interesting time in for college sport and work; this evokes many memories as I lived out west where my small town [Deni] was pretty much just as described in this poem whilst Wagga, the regional centre, seemed a bustling metropolis.
Nationality
I have grown past hate and bitterness,
I see the world as one;
But though I can no longer hate,
My son is still my son.
All men at God’s round table sit,
and all men must be fed;
But this loaf in my hand,
This loaf is my son’s bread.
Sorry life got busy as we approach the end of a lengthy lockdown, we have not had a single case of covid locally yet!
Fascinating woman! Her poetry is truly accessible and I don’t wonder why she was so very popular!
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Hi Kate, I enjoyed learning about Dame Gilmore. A wonderful poem; one to reflect on.
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indeed, as a mother of two sons this would touch you in a unique way.
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Thank you for sharing Dame Mary Gilmore with us!
What a joy to be encouraged, inspired, and challenged by amazing women from the past!
(((HUGS))) 🙂
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indeed, thanks heaps Sweet Carolyn, HUGS and here’s a link just for you, it will melt your heart 🙂
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-10/meet-unlikely-friends-peggy-the-dog-and-molly-the-magpie/100447022
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OHMYGOSH! Thank you for sharing that link! I cried joy-tears! Such a sweet wonderful friendship! Human-Beans should learn from the positive examples of other creatures. . 🙂
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I knew it would have that effect … you and Ivor might be smart to invest in a tissue company 🙂 HUGS and to many more such snuggle relationships whether they be with birds, dogs or beans 🙂
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HA! 😀
And, yes, Ivor and I should’ve done that eons ago…we’d be rich by now! 😉 You know, with how much we’d use our own product! 😀 😛
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I so enjoyed reading about this charismatic woman! Excellent poetry too.
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Your words and work will speak eloquently for you, sis. 🙂
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too kind!
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No introductions needed here Kate .. A truly great Australian Icon …
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She’s amazing 🤗🌏
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Her poetry is quite fascinating, full of contradictions. I suspect it was a deliberate ploy to encourage her readers to think about they’re opinions. I’m really enjoying your discoveries Kate, thanks so much for sharing
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Another amazing share Kate…she is such an inspiration…
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An excellent poem and what a profound and inspiring woman was Dame Mary Gilmore. A fantastic read.
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Wonderful series, Kate. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you Kate for sharing the story and work of this Australian poet and activist. Inspiring! ❤ Glad lockdown is ending. Stay safe and be happy!
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really appreciate you reading and commenting Cheryl, thanks!
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As one reads more about this grand woman, she is definitely more than one-dimensional in her outlook of the world. Perhaps this was one of strengths, yet she was passionate about her causes. Kate, thanks for sharing. I hope Covid remains quiet in your community.
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we always get visits from infected city dwellers, usually machos inclined to violence … whimps afraid of their own mortality!
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[…] post is inspired by the posts of kate, sharing local Aussie Poets and Writers – https://aroused.blog/2021/09/10/dame-mary-gilmore, the form Ukiah introduce by kate and Val – https://aroused.blog/2021/10/11/ukiah/, and […]
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https://michnavs.wordpress.com/2021/10/12/on-f-sionel-jose-and-more/
here is my promised contributtion kate.
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wow you certainly put in a lot more content on this post than I did Mich!
s
Sorry for the strife over there for the poor lady winning a Nobel Peace Prize … people often ride their tails of fame by commenting so loudly 😦
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Yes, kate its a mess back home and i can’t just keep my silence anymore..
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well you are also famous now, so use your contacts to respond formally!
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Thank you kate..😊
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