The Spirit of the West : 5 stanzas each of 8 lines about the fortitude of Outback people.
The carcass lies
With its crow-pecked eyes
With the dust and flies
Like a mantle.
The mulga stands
In the baking sands
Like dry begging hands
‘Neath a candle.
The sun beats down
On the dried-up town
Like the angry frown
Of a father.
While the stockmen ride
In their stubborn pride;
Every horse’s hide
Slick with lather.