The Cruise of the Catalpa: A Poem

A lively narrative poem brings listeners aboard the daring 1876 rescue of Irish political prisoners held in a remote Australian colony. The verses follow a band of determined volunteers as they slip through night‑shrouded dunes, board the modest cutter Catalpa, and set sail under a chorus of hopeful chants. From the frantic scramble at the prison yard to the first tentative strokes away from shore, the poem captures the tension and exhilaration of a bold bid for freedom.

Written in a rhythmic, almost musical style, the piece balances humor with sincere courage, letting listeners hear the clatter of oars, the roar of distant steamers, and the steady beat of hearts yearning for liberty. The poet’s vivid imagery paints the Australian bush, the glittering sea, and the looming threat of a pursuing vessel, while the recurring refrain underscores the rebels’ defiant spirit. This early‑act adventure invites you to experience a historic escapade through the vivid cadence of verse, setting the stage for a suspenseful maritime chase.