The Western Arthurs Traverse

A Spenserian sonnet inspired by a hike across the mountains of southwestern Tasmania.

Down far across the whisp'ring woods and waves,
Van Diemen's Land has teeth of mountains grand;
Of rugged peaks that stretch down to the grave,
Where wand'rers worn on rocky slopes do stand

And watch the far-off sun sink low to land,
And wash in tea tree lakes of waters cold,
And stumble down the steep ravines at hand,
And climb the crags of Arthur's western fold.

So wild southwestern ridges rise up, bold,
As rain and storm assault their humble heath;
The mountains sap the wand'rers' will and hold
Their mighty spirit in their summits' wreath.

Go find that crown of weather-beaten stone,
So far across the world from Arthur's home.

Photos were taken on a hike across the Western Arthurs Range of Tasmania (2021).

PS. This poem originally took the form of a rhyme royal stanza; I've added it below, for those interested.

Down far across the whisp'ring woods and waves,
Van Diemen's Land has teeth of mountains grand;
Of rugged peaks that stretch down to the grave,
Where wand'rers worn on rocky slopes do stand
And watch the far-off sun sink low to land,
And wash in tea tree lakes of waters cold,
And climb the crags of Arthur's western fold.