Henry, Oh Henry
The lonely writer of your time
In the wilderness and scrub
Of the Australian bush
Oh, yes, in your time there was also the famous gold rush
That brought you and your family along to Gulgong
Which also became theirs and your hub


Oh, How could you have known
That one day you would be part of the rhythm
On every Australian's tongue
Though in your time your greatness
Was never fully recognised
Although it was sometimes despised


But one day your greatness
Your talent and the pride
That was meant to be there in the open
Would never again have to hide
You were once in the unknown
You would lead an unpleasant life
And would always be in strife
And every word was written or said in a hush



But how could you have known
That those that you have inspired
And those that also admired
You and your works
Would soon recognise you for who you were
And got together to save your works
And to recognise you for your full greatness
And respect you and the wilderness
You knew so well

And those that admire you
Would also make sure that what you gave them
Would not go to hell
And would not go to waste
By putting it all in one safe place
They call by your name
The Henry Lawson Centre


By Louise Leclercq.

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