Sydney Jephcott

Sydney Jephcott was an Australian poet born on November 30, 1864, and died on June 29, 1951. Jephcott was known for his vivid and contemplative style, capturing both the beauty and hardship of rural Australian life. He worked variously as a shearer, farmer, and carpenter, experiences which deeply influenced his poetry. Despite his contributions to Australian literature, Jephcott remains a relatively obscure figure outside of literary circles.

November 30, 1864

June 29, 1951

English

Sydney Jephcott

Dawnwards?

To the Author of the "Songs of the Army of the Night."

We - who, encircled in sleepless sadness
    With ears laid close to the Austral earth,
Have heard far cries of wrong-wrought madness,
    Of hopeless anguish and murd'rous mirth
Beneath all noise of maudlin gladness
    Awail, environ the world's wide girth -

Almost arise with Hope's keen urging
    When out the vasty and night-bound North
Red rays ascend, and Songs resurging
    Through all the darkness and chill, come forth!

The comet climbs until it scorches
    The sacred dais that skies the great,
Until it gleams on palace porches,
    Where blissful aeons-to-be hold state -
Fades, and we know it one of the torches
    Madmen a moment elevate!

And, closer cl...

Sydney Jephcott