Penola Poem by Francis Duggan

Though in Nhill in Victoria they honour his renown
Penola in South Australia is John Shaw Neilson's Hometown
'Tis there the great poet first saw light of day
One of Australia's best writers the well informed say.

Penola too linked with Mary McKillop fame
Australia's only Saint to be a legendary name
Penola is indeed a Town worthy of note
With it's ties to a Saint and a legendary Poet.

Surrounded by vineyards and also renowned for it's wine
Penola looks beautiful in the sunshine
And in and around Penola rainfall is quite rare
And rain is one thing that is quite welcome there.

Like a beautiful girl with a smile on her face
Penola does seem such a welcoming place
An old rural Town in the Vineyard Countryside
Where a Saint and a Poet for awhile did abide.