The Wagtail's Tale

This collection of poems by Lillian May Egan (Mary Nesbitt; 1928-2002) is the first publication of her poetry composed during the last ten years of her life. During this time, she was a member of Papermates which was part of The Society of Women Writers of Western Australia. They used a 'Round Robin' method of sending members' work to each other by post for critique each month.

Some members comments about her work:

Clancy sent a letter: 'This is great, Mary, and I like the way you've introduced so many of Banjo's characters. It flows and gallops … love 'the twist in the tail' - very ironic but very funny at the same time. Congratulations.' - Maude

The Copper Miner: 'This is something else. An excellent poem, loaded with imagery and pathos. It has a wonderful rhythm and I love the repetition in the last two lines of each stanza. ' - Chenda

Lost: 'I like the theme and images of your poem, especially Jane's "no longer snowy petticoat" … liked the bush details - Quondong & Broombush trees.' - Diane

Memories: 'Memories One and Two have a Walter de la Marian feel about them…that sad painting of pictures that are gone.' - Trisha

Lord I See You Everywhere: '[This] would make a beautiful hymn! You have painted some lovely pictures of nature and related them to the spiritual theme.' - Chenda

Spinning Wheels and Dragons: 'This is beautiful. It is the rhythm in your poetry which attracts me - whether or not it is supposed to be there.' - Gwen