My Favorite Poems

Here is are some poems that I have always loved and treasured; and that I would like to share with you. Also, I will be putting up a new poem each month, in the ‘Monthly Poem’ category, so check back to see each month’s new poem.

The Man From Snowy River – By Banjo Patterson. This poem is an Australian classic. It has been made into a movie, and an arena musical (which I saw and loved !!)

Waltzing Matilda – Another classic by Banjo Patterson. It was one of the first Australian songs I learned (apart from the national anthem, of course !)

The Highwayman – By Alfred Lord Tennyson. This poem is so haunting, and beautiful, and romantic. It is based on the English outlaw, Dick Turpin, and of his deep love for the innkeeper’s daughter. No matter how many times I read this, it feels like I am reading and falling in love with it for the first time.

Said Hanrahan – by John O’Brien. This poem is a little less well known, but it, too, is an Australian poem about rural life. When I was a little girl, it used to make me laugh.

How McDougall Topped the Score – by Thomas E Spencer. Even if you don’t understand cricket (like me!), this poem will have you in stitches with laughter. It’s a brilliant ballad.

The Walrus and the Carpenter – by Lewis Carroll. This poem is very moralistic, and, if you believe Matt Damon’s character in the controversial movie Dogma, it represents the dangers of mass religion.

The Big Rock Candy Mountains – This anonymous poem was recently featured in song form, in the hit movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? I first became familiar with this poem many years before, as it was contained in a compendium of poetry that I own.

Father William – This poem, another masterpiece by Lewis Carroll, still makes me laugh.

The Monthly Poem – This month, the poem is entitled Sea-Fever, by John Masefield.