Bush poets were Australian poets who wrote about Australian rural life during colonial times and about the Australian bush. Many colonial bush poets were illiterate and performed their poems from memory instead of writing them.[1] Bush poetry evolved from the jokes and stories shared by early settlers. To help with memorising these, rhyme and verse were introduced.
Bush poetry reflects communal attitudes and traditional Australian culture. Its language is characteristically colloquial and colourful, and its underlying thematic concern is the emergence and development of the Australian identity.
It may be argued by some that bush poetry did not originate so recently, but rather is an adaption of ancient music and ceremonies performed by the Aboriginal natives of the land. Stories of the Dreamtime can be considered to be the beginnings of the bush poetry as an entity.
Contents |
Examples of the language used within bush poetry can be found in many poems by famous bush poets including Henry Lawson (1867–1922), Banjo Paterson (1864–1941) and Dorothea Mackellar (1885–1968).
Some of their popular poems include:
Banjo Paterson is currently featured on the Australian ten dollar bank note amongst scenes of the Australian outback.[2]
Banjo Patterson's Waltzing Matilda is even considered Australia's unofficial National Anthem. [3]
In 1994 an association was formed in Tamworth named the Australian Bush Poets Association. The association defines Bush Poetry as follows:
Australian Bush Poetry is metered and rhymed poetry about Australia, Australians and/or the Australian way of life.
Composed of writers, performers and those interested in either traditional or modern bush poetry, the association aims to encourage the development, interest and growth of Bush Poetry in Australia.
The Association publishes a bi-monthly magazine of news, events, and contemporary bush poetry,[4] and maintains a calendar of bush poetry events.[5] Bush Poets' Breakfasts are a popular part of many festivals today and each year at Tamworth many bush poetry events are held including The Australian Bush Laureate Awards.
The Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Award is the oldest and largest poetry competition for school aged children in Australia. These awards are named in honour of the famous Australian poet Dorothea Mackellar. [5]