Turnbull's poetic Return To The Temple

A poem that was written by Malcolm Turnbull as a teenager in 1970 has emerged.

Malcolm Turnbull (3rd from right) in the cast of Othello at Sydney Grammar School in 1970 (The Sydneian) Source: Supplied

We know that Clive Palmer is a bit of a poet, once penning a collection that sold more than 10,000 copies. But what is perhaps lesser known is that Malcolm Turnbull also tried his hand as a young man.

A 1970 edition of 'The Sydneian' - the official journal of Sydney Grammar School - featured a poem by the now-prime minister titled, 'The Return To The Temple.'

The poem, reproduced below, was written by Mr Turnbull while he was a student at the school and explores religious themes:

"Christ, you old fisherman,

Fisher of souls,

Fishing for souls and their pennance.

How would you sanctify?

Sanctions for sinners?

And red-black peons of Peter

Peacefully, piously starving a world?

God bless you all

All of you -

Bearers of Christ on a Cross,

A silver Christ on a cross of gold;

Aye - you have lost the cross

Upreared on chilly Calvary

You have lost the Christ

Who saved a sinful world

You slowly try to starve

For red-black peons of Peter

Peacefully, piously have led back

The lenders of Gold to the Temple."

Malcolm Turnbull's poem appeared in a 1970 edition of 'The Sydneian'. Source: Supplied