Old Poetry Old Poetry Poetry Poets Essays Forums

Owen Suffolk

I lived from 1829-unknown. I was from Australia, and am in the Oceania category.

I influenced poet Charles I de Valois, Duke of Orleans.

Owen Suffolk born  in England in 1829  he was a clerk by profession, but  was transported to Australia, for a 7 year term  when he was just 18 years old.



Upon his release, in 1848 he was convicted of horse stealing being jailed for the second time. Only a few weeks after his release from that jail term he and a friend, Christopher Farrell held up a mail coach.



He was captured and returned to prison for a 3rd term, where he worked as a clerk.



The authorities were very pleased with his work,and he obtained an early release. After his release it was discovered that he had been 'doctoring' prisoners records.



He had ample opportunity to earn a living in his chosen profession, but he chose once again turned to crime, and was again sentenced for horse stealing shortly afterwards.



During his fifth prison term he earned the title of 'The Convict Poet'.



After released from prison this time, he returned to England.



He had not learnt form his mistakes and found himself in trouble with the law there for 'confidence tricks'. He faked his drowning and escaped to America with the proceeds of a wealthy widows money.



In 1868 he was reported to be alive and well and enjoying himself in New York.

Popular poetry

Search my poetry:
  • It is not in a prison drear
    Where all around is gloom,
    24 lines
  • I feel I have - and who has not?
    An inner and outer life:
    32 lines, 1 comment
  • Up! and arm for life's struggle,
    We shall conquer in the fight,
    56 lines
  • 'Twas night, and the moonbeams palely fell
    On the gloomy walls of a cheerless cell,
    112 lines, 1 comment
  • To me the sky looks bluer,
    And the green grass greener still,
    64 lines, 1 comment
  • Hark to the bell of sorrow! - 'tis awak'ning up again
    Each broken spirit from its brief forgetfulness of pain.
    40 lines, 1 comment
  • I gladly would sing in a joyous strain,
    But my heart of its joy is bereft;
    24 lines
  • Fame surrounds us with a glory,
    Dazzling as the noon-day sun,
    25 lines
  • Mother! Darling mother, you are seeking me I know,
    And I feel thy love will follow through the world where'er I go;
    32 lines
  • Thou sinless and sweet one - thy voice is a strain
    Which yields solace to sadness, and balm to my pain,
    49 lines

Start a forum topic about this poet

, Content