"Flights of Fancy or a Fancy for Flights": A Reading of Henry Lawson's Poems Binod Mishra I f much of Australian poetry is rooted in combating the problems of land and identity, more of it is guided by the longing for freedom and independence fired by patriotic fervour igniting the masses towards life that could be lived on its own. Australian poetry, which got its due place much later than any other school, was very much fried on the real pan of life than in the flights of fancy. It is in this respect that many scholars and critics find the elements of history replete in Australian poetry. But it is a nubilous view and only coming from such readers who read poetry simply for delight. Poetry that offers only music to our ears, fails to testify the truth that it also transcribes the experiences cornered and pushed to the margins. The true aiiist often realizes that it is an expression of suppression and an interaction between the mind and the heaii where both override each other for dominance. There is no denying the fact that poetry is story versified and as such a good amount of Australian poetry represents the native Australian angst for existence. The present paper endeavours to argue and establish the fact that Henry Lawson's poetry which appears less poetic and devoid of certain poetic qualities have poured straight forth the poet's heart. His poetry may depict the history of his time yet is full of poetic sensibility. Those who find the parameters of poetry not being followed in his verse would feel comfortable with the poet's idea of freedom as an essential criterion of creativity. They would, in tum, sympathize with Lawson who despite certain handicaps in his life, lived and died to make other Commonwealth nations trace the trauma of a nation trapped in turpitude of all kinds . What Lawson, the poet wrote in one of his essays ma y offer an Olive branch to hi s re aders and critics: THE ATLANTIC LITERA RY REVIEW VOL. IO NO . 2 APRIL-JUNE 200 9