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Caring About Our Country
by Louisa Lawson (1848-1920)
Australian writer

he waratah has stained her cheek, Her lips are even brighter; Like virgin quartz without a streak Her teeth are, but far whiter. Her eyes are large, and soft, and dark, And clear as running water; And straight as any stringy bark Is Lil, the digger's daughter.
She'll wash a prospect quick and well, And deftly use the ladle; The weight of gold at sight she'll tell, And work with tub and cradle. She was her father's only mate, And wound up wash and water; She worked all day and studied late, And all she knows he taught her.
She stood alone above the shaft – A test for woman, rather – When I sprang to the windlass haft And helped her land her father. She turned her pretty face to me To thank me, and I thought her The grandest girl of all her race – Sweet Lil, the digger's daughter.
And when my luck began to change I grew a trifle bolder And told my love, but thought it strange She knew before I told her. She said that she would be my wife; Then home I proudly brought her, To be my loving mate for life, But still the digger's daughter.

About the Writer
See our page on Louisa Lawson. Includes a linked list of all her writing available on our website.
Back to Australian Writers

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