'The Shakedown on the Floor' Summary

The Shakedown on the Floor is a poem by Henry Lawson that captures the loneliness and isolation of life in the Australian bush. The poem is set in a shearing shed, where the speaker, a swagman, or itinerant worker, is forced to sleep on the floor. He is surrounded by the noise of the wind and the rain, and he feels like he is the only person in the world.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the setting:

The night comes down on the bush with a rush and a roar, And the wind howls like a thousand demons; The shearing shed is dark as a tomb, And the swagman lies on the floor, And thinks of the home he's never seen.

The speaker then goes on to describe his own loneliness and isolation:

He's all alone in the bush, With the wind and the rain and the darkness; He's all alone in the world, With no one to care for him, No one to love him, No one to say good-night to him.

The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on the harsh realities of life in the bush:

This is life in the bush, Where men are lonely and friendless; Where men are forced to sleep on the floor, And to eat what they can get, And to work hard for little pay.

The Shakedown on the Floor is a powerful poem that captures the harsh realities of life for many people in Australia at the time. However, it is also a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit. The speaker may be lonely and isolated, but he is still capable of finding beauty in the world around him. He may be forced to sleep on the floor, but he still dreams of home.

The poem is full of Lawson's characteristic realism and compassion. It is a reminder of the challenges that people face, but it also offers hope for the future. The speaker may be lonely and isolated now, but he knows that there is a better life out there for him.

The poem is also a reminder of the importance of community. The speaker may be alone in the bush, but he is not truly alone. He is part of a community of swagmen who share his experiences and his dreams. The poem ends with the speaker thinking of home, and this suggests that he is not forgotten by those who love him.

The Shakedown on the Floor is a classic Australian poem that continues to be relevant today. It is a powerful reminder of the challenges that people face, but it also offers hope for the future. The poem is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and it is a reminder that we are all connected to each other.