Jean Lee, police identification photograph, 1949 – executed, Pentridge Prison, Melbourne, 1951. [Wikimedia Commons.]
To Die
There are many stories in which the condemned
walk to the gallows with courage,
meeting their death with dignity.
Not as often mentioned are those
who break down at the sight of the noose
– or firing squad, lethal injection, guillotine,
electric chair –
screaming for forgiveness.
Some tell lies in extremis, declaim,
blaming their capital crime on others.
Then there’s the last woman hanged
in Victoria, Australia:
Jean Lee
– sedated, placed in a chair on the drop.
Was she unconscious beneath her hood,
as some suspect?
Or, simply, had no final words
before plunging to eternity?
Read more from Kevin Densley HERE
Kevin Densley’s latest poetry collection, Isle Full of Noises is available HERE
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About
Kevin Densley is a graduate of both Deakin University and The University of Melbourne. He has taught writing and literature in numerous Victorian universities and TAFES. He is a poet and writer-in-general. His sixth book-length poetry collection, Isle Full of Noises, was published in early 2026 by Ginninderra Press. He is also the co-author of ten play collections for young people, as well as a multi Green Room Award nominated play, Last Chance Gas, published by Currency Press. Other writing includes screenplays for educational films.
Quite fitting that this poem would appear directly above an article titled: ‘Kitch’ and Higgins – bookmaking In the 60s.
Thanks for your comment, Karl. Are you referring to the bookmaker involved in the Jean Lee’s murder case?
Correct KD.
Thought so, but it took your comment on my poem for me to actually look at any of the other Monday Almanac posts.