The Little People
July 6, 2023The Gleaner
July 6, 2023The Gods
Last night, as one who hears a tragic jest,
I woke from dreams, half-laughing, half in tears;
Methought that I had journeyed in the spheres
And stood upon the Planet of the Blest
And found thereon a folk who prayed with zest
Exceeding, and through all their painful years
Like strong souls struggled on ‘mid hopes and fears;
“Where dwell the gods,” they said, “we shall find rest.”
The gods? What gods, I thought, are those who so
Inspire their worshippers with faith that flowers
Immortal? and who make them keep aglow
The flames forever on their altar-towers?
“Where dwell these gods of yours?” I asked–and lo!
They pointed upwards to this earth of ours!
Victor James Daley
Victor James Daley (1858-1905) was an Australian poet and writer who is often associated with the Australian bush poetry tradition. His work was characterized by a love of the Australian landscape and a deep sense of patriotism. Daley's poetry often celebrated the Australian way of life, and he was one of the first writers to use the Australian vernacular in his work. Despite his relatively short life, Daley was an important figure in Australian literature and his poetry has been widely studied and admired.