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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE GULLY: 3 by FRANK WILMOT

First Line: FAR DOWN THE VALLEY OF THE ACHERON
Last Line: THE MELLOW CLAMOUR OF THE CATTLE-BELLS.

Far down the valley of the Acheron
Rustle broad leaves and slender; little trees,
And trees immeasurably old and wan,
Make home for all the bush-folk and the bees.
Birds have flown from the backlands and have told
Songs and adventures; lowing near my gate
The bullocks, shouldering through the wattle-gold,
Have brought the wilderness to where I wait.
The sun will flow across the paddocks soon
Putting the grey furze shadows softly down
For carpets where white lambs will lie at noon
And cattle drowse on pastures yet ungrown.
The gums with outstretched arms welcome the light
Whose falling billows break the clouds that lurch
Against their hills, and in most mild affright
Rustles its little leaves the dainty birch.
But this is not enough; my heart grows fond;
I'll go where Beauty weaves intenser spells
Beyond the noise of axes and beyond
The mellow clamour of the cattle-bells.



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