Poem Analysis - On The Wallaby

Henry Lawson's "On The Wallaby" paints a vivid picture of the life of an Australian swagman, a wandering worker traveling the outback in search of employment. The poem blends hardship with a sense of freedom and resilience, capturing the essence of the itinerant bushman's existence. While the poem acknowledges the loneliness and struggle inherent in this lifestyle, it also celebrates the simple comforts and quiet moments of peace found in the vast landscape. The tone shifts between weary resignation and a defiant appreciation for the rugged beauty of the Australian outback.

The Allure and Isolation of the Outback

One of the central themes is the simultaneous allure and isolation of the Australian outback. The poem opens with imagery of decay and abandonment – "tent poles are rotting, the camp fires are dead" – immediately establishing a sense of impermanence. The speaker is "humping my bluey far out on the land," emphasizing his solitary journey. The vastness of the landscape, depicted as "nor'-west and west o’er the ranges and far," further underscores the speaker's isolation. Yet, within this isolation, there is a certain appeal. The speaker embraces the simplicity of "the sky for my roof and the grass for my bunk," suggesting a freedom from the constraints of settled life. This conflicting sense of isolation and freedom is a defining characteristic of the swagman's experience.

Fate, Destiny, and a Sense of Purpose

The concept of Fate plays a significant role in the poem. The speaker declares, "I’m following Fate, for I know she knows best, I follow, she leads, and it’s nor’-west by west." This suggests a belief in a preordained path, a destiny that compels the swagman to continue his wandering existence. Whether "Fate" is a genuine conviction or a coping mechanism for the hardships faced is left somewhat ambiguous. The direction "nor’-west by west" becomes symbolic of this predetermined journey, a constant heading towards an unknown destination. The speaker's acceptance of Fate provides a sense of purpose amidst the uncertainty and challenges of his life on the wallaby.

The Comforts of Simple Pleasures and Camaraderie

Despite the hardships, the poem highlights the small comforts and the potential for camaraderie that exist on the road. The image of "the honest old light of my home" and the warmth of the hearth provide a nostalgic contrast to the speaker's current circumstances, highlighting the longing for connection and stability. Yet, the poem also celebrates the simple joys of the bushman's life: "your camp-fire you light, and your billy you boil." These acts of self-sufficiency become sources of comfort and peace. Furthermore, the "yarn of a mate who is tramping that way" suggests the potential for connection and shared experiences, offering a brief respite from the loneliness of the road. Even the “spiritless dingo in tow of my heels” provides a kind of companionship. These moments of respite and shared experience are vital in sustaining the swagman's spirit.

Dangers of Town and The Siren Song of Alcohol

The poem serves as a cautionary tale regarding the temptations of town life. "But beware of the town – there is poison for years in the pleasure you find in the depths of long beers," the speaker warns. The town is portrayed as a place of false comfort and potential ruin, where the bushman is easily "bushed" or lost, both literally and figuratively. The allure of alcohol and fleeting pleasures leads to the depletion of his earnings, leaving him no better off, and often worse, than before. This reinforces the idea that the true sustenance and meaning for the swagman lie in the simplicity and self-reliance of the bush, rather than the artificial pleasures of civilization.

Final Thoughts on the Enduring Spirit

"On The Wallaby" is more than just a depiction of a hardscrabble existence; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. While the poem acknowledges the loneliness, hardship, and temptations faced by the Australian swagman, it ultimately celebrates the freedom, self-reliance, and quiet moments of peace that can be found in the vast Australian outback. The poem leaves the reader with a sense of admiration for the swagman's enduring spirit and his ability to find meaning in a life of constant travel and uncertainty. The image of following fate "nor'-west by west" remains a powerful symbol of the unwavering pursuit of purpose in the face of adversity.