The 'Lady Shore'.

One of a series of Australian History poems..

What’s in a name, ‘Lady Shore’,

Who was to blame for the shame you saw,

Billowing sail, carry the tale

Of the ‘Lady Shore’ with its women aboard,

Seized by the military guard.

 

What’s in a sigh, glistening eye,

Convicts in dresses with long, long tresses,

Feminine wiles, dressed in the styles

Of the Flash houses, falling apart at the seams,

Burying long-lost dreams.

 

What’s in a place, loss of grace,

Coarsening charm on a tattooed arm,

Final despair, nobody cares

If you’ve been on the town and you’re still going down,

Your life for the theft of a pound.

 

What’s in a trip, sailing ship,

Sydney, or anywhere no-one can stare,

Living and love, light from above

That will keep you away from those factory pains,

Free of Port Jackson chain.

 

What’s in a lie, freedom or die,

Sailing you sixty and six women by,

Turbulent swell, bidding you well;

But what has befallen the lost ‘Lady Shore’,

Not to be heard of more?

 

David Lewis Paget