This poem was first published by The Tasmanian Times (no relation!) on Saturday 8 February 1868.
‘Tasmania’
By Martha
Hail Tasmania! sweet favoured Isle,
Thy shores reach round full many a mile,
‘Tis pleasant to sit at the Derwent’s side
And watch its beautiful flowing tide!
As upward I gaze to thy azure skies,
And watch the sea-bird as swiftly it flies,
My heart swells with joy at the thought I was born,
Where everywhere beauty its land doth adorn!
Then gaze on Mount Wellington’s lofty brow,
E’en now it is clad with its mantle of snow,
The green hills each side encircling it round,
At the foot there’s a stream with a musical sound!
Oh! could you wonder that I should admire
A land where there’s all a heart can desire,
A land of freedom, of health, and of peace,
Never on it may God’s blessing cease.
‘Tasmania’. The Tasmanian Times (Hobart Town, Tas. : 1867 – 1870), 8 February 1868, page 3. Retrieved 15 June 2020 from https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/232858015.
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Poet’s Corner is a quaint and quirky section of The Tasmanian Times. It has been designed to offer a haven to those who relish and immerse themselves in the sheer joy and pleasure emanating from English verse. Our idea is to share poems published in Tasmania during the early years of British arrival.
We would also like you to share your poetry with us. Submissions can be sent to [email protected]. Please see www.tasmaniantimes.com/contact for general submission guidelines.
