"The Clothes-Line" by Charlotte Druitt Cole

In "The Clothes-Line" by Charlotte Druitt Cole, the poet spins a whimsical tale of adventure and mystery centered around a clothes-line and its fluttering inhabitants. Through playful imagery and lively language, Cole invites readers to join in the fanciful dance of the clothes-line and its enchanted pegs.

In "I Shall Not Cry Return" by Ellen M. Huntington Gates, the poet grapples with the pain of loss and the longing for a loved one who has departed. Through poignant verses and introspective reflections, Gates explores the enduring impact of separation and the hope for eventual reunion.

In "Rainy Nights" by Irene Thompson, the poet captures the enchanting atmosphere of a town during a rainy evening. Through vivid imagery and a sense of wonder, Thompson invites readers to see the beauty in the ordinary and the magic that emerges when rain transforms the urban landscape.

In Judith Wright's "Bora Ring," the poet laments the loss of Indigenous Australian culture and the disappearance of its ancient rituals and traditions. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, Wright evokes a sense of nostalgia and mourning for a bygone era, while also highlighting the enduring impact of colonialism and cultural erasure.

Linda Pastan's poem "Ethics" delves into the complex interplay between art, mortality, and human values, prompting readers to ponder ethical dilemmas and the nature of responsibility. Through vivid imagery and introspective narration, Pastan crafts a poignant narrative that challenges conventional notions of worth and significance.

"Bad Men" by John Hookham Frere is a didactic poem that offers sage advice on the perils of placing trust in deceitful and unscrupulous individuals. Through vivid imagery and succinct language, the poem delivers a cautionary message about the dangers of aligning oneself with base and unreliable characters.

"The Town Child" by Irene Thompson is a heartfelt exploration of a child's longing for the simplicity and beauty of nature amidst the bustling urban landscape. Through the innocent voice of the protagonist, the poem poignantly captures the sense of displacement and yearning for natural surroundings amid the noisy and congested city.

In "Love and Death" by Sarojini Naidu, the poet grapples with the profound themes of love and mortality, exploring the complexities of human emotion in the face of inevitable fate. Through elegant language and vivid imagery, Naidu crafts a poignant meditation on the power and limitations of love in the shadow of death.

In "One Thing at a Time" by M. A. Stodart, the poet offers a simple yet profound mantra for living a fulfilling and purposeful life. Through the repetition of rhythmic verses, Stodart emphasizes the importance of focus, diligence, and balance in both work and play.

Stephen Spender's "The Express" is a captivating poem that celebrates the awe-inspiring power and beauty of a train journey. Through vivid imagery and rhythmic language, Spender takes the reader on a thrilling ride aboard the express train, capturing the essence of its speed, majesty, and vitality.