O! Hernia!  My hernia.
   'Twas here we parted dear
A parting that for four long weeks
   Held me in sickness here.


But three short hours I knew you, love
   Well I remember yet
I left a tram in Collins street
   And suddenly, we met.


No mortal could have parted us
   While reason held its sway
They drugged me, Gentle Hernia
   And carried you away.


And then I knew my Hernia
   Where ere what ere you are
Our parting at Coonara Street
   Has left me with a scar.


A scar that I shall bear thro life
   A memory of you.
And Hernia!  O Hernia,
   My bank-book has one too.

Coonara
Mar 23/16

Note:
Written by Dennis after his operation on hernia.
Croll Collection MS8964 FB19 - State Library of Victoria