This poem was prompted by visits to schools during ANZAC services in FNQ where young Aussies do all of us proud…
Our Nation’s Proud Torch Burns Bright
A crowded sea of faces in the school hall
A choir reaches out to them with sweet call
Disciplined youth bursting with innocence of life
Honoring those from yesterday who gave all in times of strife
The deeds of the fallen spoken with deep pride
They who had stepped forward as one, to serve, side by side
Now ghostly shadows are dancing to and fro among the class
Can they be the men and women we honour from the past?
I told these scholars of the dreams all soldiers did share
To be home with loved ones and peaceful bliss every-where
A happy precious free way of life for those yet to be born.
Surely the silence of the guns would signal a bright new dawn?
This audience will be our leaders in time to come
No matter who or where, they will always be united as one
Many will be parents and teach their young, our values of life
To tell them of past sacrifice during Mar’s terrible strife
In this very hall, I saw familiar images of those lost in war
Smiling, dreaming, eager and a love of life to the very core
Today’s students are of the same ilk and our nation will stay strong
They too understand our way of life and what is right from wrong
Suddenly I was looking into yesterday and felt the bursting pride
For they are you and you are them, all marching side by side
Your sacrifice was not in vain and dreams surely did come true
Today’s proud and freedom loving youth are forever you, true blue
George Mansford © April 2017
