Poem Analysis - In The Storm That Is To Come

A Nation's Neglect: An Introduction to Lawson's Warning

Henry Lawson's "In The Storm That Is To Come" is a stirring patriotic call to action, tinged with a bitter warning. The poem pulses with a sense of impending crisis, not just from external threats but also from internal complacency. Its tone begins with a determined, almost defiant nationalism, but quickly shifts to accusatory and lamenting, highlighting the perceived failings of Australian society. Lawson uses vivid imagery to contrast the potential of the Australian landscape with the neglect it suffers, culminating in a vision of national vulnerability.

Australia's Geographic Isolation and National Responsibility

The poem opens by emphasizing Australia's geographic isolation, stating that "By our place in the midst of the furthest seas we were fated to stand alone." This isolation, rather than offering security, demands self-reliance. Lawson argues that Australia cannot depend on external powers for its defense or sustenance, especially "When the nations fly at each other’s throats." The refrain "in the storm that is to come" acts as a constant reminder of this impending crisis, urging Australians to prioritize their own nation's needs and prepare for the challenges ahead. The poem therefore highlights a theme of national responsibility and the imperative for self-sufficiency in a world prone to conflict.

Complacency Versus Preparedness: A Nation Divided

A central theme is the critique of Australian society's perceived complacency and misplaced priorities. Lawson contrasts the urgent need for national defense and resource management with the trivial pursuits of the population. The rhetorical questions posed in the second stanza, such as "who shall defend our shores – The crowd that stand on the kerb agape and glares at the cricket scores?", serve to shame those who prioritize entertainment over national duty. This contrast is further emphasized by the image of "the weeds that yelp by the cycling track while a nigger scorches round," a phrase that reveals the regrettable and dated racial attitudes of the period while also pointing to a perceived focus on trivial leisure pursuits instead of serious matters of national security. This section vividly illustrates the danger of national decay through negligence and emphasizes the need for a more engaged and responsible citizenry.

The Neglect of the Land: A Metaphor for National Decay

The poem uses the recurring symbol of water, or rather the lack thereof, as a powerful metaphor for national decay and mismanagement. The contrast between the potential abundance of water ("The rain comes down on the Western land and the rivers run to waste") and its inefficient management ("a few mean tanks we scratch") highlights the failure to harness Australia's natural resources. The image of "a gutter of mud where there spread a flood from the land-long western creeks" underscores the missed opportunities for irrigation and sustainable agriculture. This neglect of the land becomes emblematic of a broader national malaise, suggesting that a failure to care for the environment is intertwined with a failure to secure the nation's future. Is Lawson suggesting the drought is a judgment of the Australian people’s frivolous nature?

Vision of a Prosperous Future and the Looming Threat

Lawson offers a vision of a prosperous future based on responsible resource management. He dreams of "reservoirs and grand canals where the Dry Country had been, And a glorious network of aqueducts, and the fields were always green." This utopian vision contrasts sharply with the reality of drought and neglect, serving as a call to action and a reminder of what Australia could achieve with foresight and investment. However, this vision is immediately followed by a stark warning: "And it is our fate that we’ll wake to late to the truth that we were blind, With a foreign foe at our harbour gate and a blazing drought behind!" This juxtaposition underscores the urgency of the situation and the potentially catastrophic consequences of inaction.

A Nation's Wake-Up Call: Lawson's Enduring Relevance

"In The Storm That Is To Come" is a powerful warning against national complacency and a plea for self-reliance. Lawson uses vivid imagery and sharp contrasts to expose the perceived failings of Australian society and to advocate for a more responsible approach to resource management and national defense. The poem’s enduring significance lies in its timeless message: that a nation's strength depends not only on its geographic location but also on the vigilance, resourcefulness, and unity of its people. It is a potent reminder that neglecting the land and indulging in trivial pursuits can leave a nation vulnerable to both external threats and internal decay, demanding a shift in national priorities towards sustainable practices and a strong sense of collective responsibility.