How MGinnis went missing

 Let us cease our idle chatter, 
Let the tears bedew our cheek, 
For a man from Tallangatta 
Has been missing for a week. 
Where the roaring flooded Murray 
Covered all the lower land, 
There he started in a hurry, 
With a bottle in his hand. 

And his fate is hid for ever, 
But the public seem to think 
That he slumbered by the river, 
'Neath the influence of drink. 

And they scarcely seem to wonder 
That the river, wide and deep, 
Never woke him with its thunder, 
Never stirred him in his sleep. 
As the crashing logs came sweeping, 
And their tumult filled the air, 
Then M'Ginnis murmured, sleeping, 
`'Tis a wake in ould Kildare.' 
So the river rose and found him 
Sleeping softly by the stream, 
And the cruel waters drowned him 
Ere he wakened from his dream. 

And the blossom-tufted wattle, 
Blooming brightly on the lea, 
Saw M'Ginnis and the bottle 
Going drifting out to sea.

Form: Ballad Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace