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Ridgastan
A poem written by my great grandfather, Patrick Woods, about his voyage to Australia in 1862.
This poem was recorded by Patrick's daughter (my great aunt) from memory after he died. Later research revealed that the correct name of the ship was "Rajasthan", and that the story Patrick told was true, as can be verified by reference to the ships logs which are still held in the Mitchell Library in Brisbane.
My grandmother recalled that her father formed a business partnership with a music teacher on board the ship, and the poem was set to music. The two decided to start a business on arrival in Australia, writing songs together. Sadly, the teacher died two days before docking in Australia, and the death of Daniel McKellar is also recorded in the ships logs. I owe a debt of gratitude to staff at the Mitchell Library for their efforts in researching my great grandfather's story and forwarding copies of the ships logs and other miscellaneous information to me. It helped me piece together my family history, and an understanding of the kind of man my great grandfather might have been. More importantly, it gave my elderly grandmother great joy and happiness in her later years to be helped to fill the gaps in her reminiscings.
For my grandmother's ninety seventh birthday, my husband set this poem to music, and played and sang it for her. That very special gift brought her such pleasure!
For me, this simple poem will always have a very special meaning, and reading it reminds me of the special love of a wonderful lady, the many happy hours I spent listening to the stories of her early life, and the encouragement she gave me to follow my heart... and write. |
