Lest We Forget
Once upon a time on dusty lonely tracks, swagmen roamed
While Drovers by campfires longed for home
Teachers used tools of rote, chalk and black boards on the wall
Cobbler, miner, farmer, blacksmith, clerk, grocer, nurse and all
They heard the call to war and stepped forward as one
To serve their young nation until duty was done
To reflect on what was; if not for such heroes, where would we be?
The sacrifice and nobleness of their time to keep us free
Brave deeds and mateship with a young nation’s flag held so high
To hear them singing “Australia will be there” as their battle cry
Loving families waiting for the casualty lists with hidden fear
An unwelcome knock on the door and a new life of countless tears
The tracks where swagmen trudged are now tar and white lines
Drovers’ campfires are long gone, thanks to Father Time
A new generation of teachers with computer and flashing screen
Gone are the cobblers and others; yet Florence is still to be seen
Yet their ghosts still mingle with our people who remember
Never to be forgotten by city and town to beyond the Never-Never
Concentrate and you will hear the rhythmic steps and see them again
Marching in columns, be it searing heat or icy drenching rain
Dreaming of their tomorrow to be home with loved ones once more
Homesick for distant blue mountains and golden sandy shores
Seeking peace, deep sleep, love, laughter and no more sad hooroos
Now the column is fading , yet their genes and spirit are still with you
In a troubled world, we “Down Under” must stay together
As one people, one nations, one flag, today, tomorrow and forever
Going forward in armour forged with our precious values of life
Never faltering as we defy storms of discontent or evil strife
New generations follow, learning of our history and soon standing tall
What better way to remember and salute those who answered the bugle call
George Mansford © October 2018
