The mountain road goes up and down
From Gundagai to Tumut Town.
And, branching off, there runs a track
Across the foothills grim and black,
Across the plains and ranges grey
To Sydney city far away.
It came by chance one day that I
From Tumut rode to Gundagai,
And reached about the evening tide
The crossing where the roads divide;
And, waiting at the crossing place,
I saw a maiden fair of face,
With eyes of deepest violet blue,
And cheeks to match the rose in hue —
The fairest maids Australia knows
Are bred among the mountain snows.
Then, fearing I might go astray,
I asked if she could show the way.
Her voice might well a man bewitch —
Its tones so supple, deep, and rich.
"The tracks are clear," she made reply,
"And this goes down to Sydney Town,
And that one goes to Gundagai."
Then slowly, looking coyly back,
She went along the Sydney track
And I for one was well content
To go the road the lady went;
But round the turn a swain she met —
The kiss she gave him haunts me yet!
I turned and travelled with a sigh
The lonely road to Gundagai.
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Comments
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It has been awhile since I have read this piece from AB...he really had a way with the words that flowed gold from his pen. Always a pleasure to read.
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This is a really cool poem! It has a really amazing plot and it manages to rhyme beautifully the whole time. I have never read any of his other poems, but I have decided I really should since this poem is such a breath of fresh air.
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A lovely poem, and it puts me in mind of Robert Frost, a road less-travelled, though Banjo was more direct and earthy.
Nice to see this here. I lived in the Snowy Mountains, and seeing 'Tumut' on a page is like a glimpse of home! -
That sounds like a wonderful trip!!! If I ever go there,I'll take your poem with me.
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I did enjoy reading this wonderful poem from Banjo and having visited Gundagai makes it all the more special. I haven't read this one before so I'm pleased I dropped by.
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Paterson was a good writer and a favourite of mine while I was at school. I think this is a good example of his more feeling poems.
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welcome to my life
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A favourite
From guest Peter Nicholas (contact)
This poem was one of my mother's favourites. She died last Friday aged almost 97. My daughter will be reading this poem at her funeral tomorrow.
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