I have lived and worked overseas for many years, mainly in Cambodia, and am back briefly in Australia.   One of my current trades is poetry and I composed two pieces relative to the Memorial Walk a few years ago.   One More Plaque   Late sunlight filters through the trees, Across bronze plaques beneath, […]

Old soldiers were on parade and the ranks thinning fast Soon there were but a few and then the very last Now is the time to reflect on this unit’s life To salute history created during bloody strife It’s warriors served from the Mekong Delta to the DMZ Sometimes alone, often in groups of two […]

Given we are soon to commemorate 100 years since ANZAC, it begs the following question. Why can’t our nation have such a forest of trees?  It would seem appropriate to include a history trail commencing at the entrance to such a living memorial.     A FOREST FOR OUR FALLEN Many of our youth in […]

The soldiers were on parade rehearsing and all had gone well Then the command to advance in review order was yelled The long line marched 15 paces and without any orders, halted It was to demonstrate discipline and that no one had bolted The ultimate example of military good order and cohesion Alas, Private Dodger […]

Was it so long ago when we seemed immortal and soldiered together Sent to train at Canungra in all sorts of miserable weather Ambushing, attacking and defending by day and by night Being toughened up by experts and learning how to fight Running, jumping, shooting, yelling and always trying to be best Preparing for Vietnam […]

For Moff, a true blue mate and Digger.   A reinforcement arrived to join our happy band A smart arse who never tried to understand Such was his manner he was given the thumbs down His presence caused friction and certainly lots of frowns So we turned to our hero, Moff, who was surely one […]

I didn’t know the old soldier farewelled today Many of his comrades were there to bid a fond hooray No Ministers of the Crown or other big wigs did attend He was just another statistic for Canberra to amend During the service there were no VIP photo shoots Just an old bloke being buried who […]

Old diggers are even crankier than yesterday It’s all about what could be called survival pay Canberra Suits don’t even bother to understand why Because their super is not indexed to CPI   The government surely spits out much organised spin The Party Choir sings it regularly in deafening din Frequent official letters prepared by […]

 Pages of history gathering dust in dark shadows lie How quickly true tales of war fade and die Were such records in the Temple ever read? Of defending social values at the cost of glorious dead Now our women too must face Mar’s ultimate test Be quiet! Don’t argue! Our arrogant Canberra Suits know best […]

Woken by a sentry in the early hours of morn In darkness searching for wet clothes so torn, Fumbling, feeling, hurrying then finally ready We left our night base, slow and steady Quietly, confidently, one behind the other There was total trust for we were all brothers Yet I could not stay upright as we […]