Poem Analysis - Second Class Wait Here

Overview: Resentment and Class Division

Henry Lawson's "Second Class Wait Here" is a bitter and resentful reflection on social class and the feeling of being perpetually held back. The poem's tone is initially one of weary observation, but it gradually intensifies into anger and ultimately, a yearning for an egalitarian afterlife. The repetition of the title phrase underscores the oppressive weight of social stratification, while vivid imagery paints a picture of bleakness and disillusionment.

The Weight of Social Hierarchy

One of the primary themes explored in the poem is the enduring nature of social class. Lawson uses the "Second class wait here" sign as a constant reminder of inequality. The phrase is not merely a functional direction but a symbol of systemic oppression. The lines "Yes, the second class were waiting in the days of serf and prince, / And the second class are waiting–they’ve been waiting ever since" highlight the historical continuity of this division, suggesting that the experience of being marginalized is deeply ingrained and seemingly inescapable. The poem implies a cyclical nature to this struggle, reinforcing the idea that societal structures perpetuate this inequality.

A Landscape of Disenchantment

The poem is rich in imagery that reinforces the theme of disillusionment. The descriptions of the railway station – "asphalt platform glistened underneath the lonely lamp," "brick-faced cutting ‘Sellum’s Soap’ and ‘Blower’s Beer’" – create a sense of drabness and commercial exploitation. These images contrast sharply with the vague promise of "gardens in the background," representing a distant and unattainable ideal. The "shoddy overcoats" of the other waiting passengers further contribute to the atmosphere of poverty and resignation. Even natural elements like "the wind among the poplars, and the wires that thread the air," are depicted as "snarling," reflecting the speaker's own bitter feelings.

The Symbolism of the Railway

The railway station itself functions as a central symbol in the poem, representing the speaker's limited opportunities and the feeling of being stuck in a social holding pattern. The trains symbolize progress and movement, but the "second class" passengers are perpetually waiting, unable to board the train to a better life. The final stanza introduces a "train, with Death for driver," suggesting that only in death will these class distinctions cease to matter. The "long white jasper platform with an Eden in the rear" offers a vision of an egalitarian afterlife, free from the scornful signboards of earthly society. The meaning of the destination being white jasper is up to the reader to interpret: is it heaven, peace or something else entirely?

Personal Anguish and Universal Longing

The poem culminates in a powerful expression of personal anguish and a yearning for a more just world. The speaker's statement, "Ah! a man must feel revengeful for a boyhood such as mine," reveals the deep-seated resentment that fuels his critique of social inequality. His hatred for the "houses near the workshop by the line" and the "smell of railway stations" underscores the lasting impact of his experiences. The poem ultimately transcends the personal, becoming a lament for all those who are relegated to "second class" status and a hopeful vision of a future where such distinctions no longer exist. It's a call to arms, a demand for equality, disguised as a poem.