Frank The Poet Poem by Francis Duggan

A convict from Cashel County Tipperary Francis MacNamara better known as Frank The Poet
In Australia's white history one of literary note
Transported to a long term in jail for to serve years of time
For what was in reality a trivial crime

Often whipped by his cruel jailers though his spirit they could not break
His legendary poems against injustice the spirit of rebellion did awake
Against his British jailers and their oppressive laws
The man who in his words led the fight for a cause

With words he was surely one who had a way
The poems and songs of Frank The Poet are living today
He died a free man though still hating the Crown
And in Australia his name does live on in literary renown

In Australia Francis MacNamara or Frank The Poet became a great name
And though long dead his legend has an undying fame
From living the hard life he was one who died young
And nowadays in Australian pubs and clubs his songs and ballads are sung.