Making History

Three State Parliamentary Sessions opened yesterday—those of Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

Did ye hear it, oh my brothers?
    Place your hands behind your ears.
It resounds throughout Australia:
    It MAY sound throughout the years
Yet I doubt it—ah, I doubt it;
    For I've heard it all before,
And what they say is new today
    Seems echoes from of yore.

I am pessimistic, brothers,
    Yet I hope that I am wrong.
For I've waited, friends, I've waited;
    And the time has seemed so long.
For the big things of Australia
    Languish while the members talk,
We expect a burst of hundreds
    And—they give a miss in baulk.

Yet I live in hope, my brothers
    For the State which I adorn
Backs promise with performance—
    At odd times. Yet shall be born
The spirit of true statesmanship
    And then—ah, then, we'll see
The Government in earnest, and the
    Practical M.P.