In memory of Anzac Day: This poem, by Herbert Millington, was published in 1931 in the 'Daily Advertiser' of Narrandera, NSW. Still as relevant today as it was then.
Lest we forget.
ANZACS
They were our best the lads we sent away,
With courage in their hearts, a smile upon their lips.
Alas for some it was a tragic day,
Those brave young souls went forth to their eclipse.
Their part they did, and fought as Anzac's fight.
In Flander's fields amid the poppies red;
For Freedom's cause and for their country's right.
They marched straight on by highest valor led.
Upon the heights of stern Gallipoli,
They faced great odds and fought with splendid faith;
so many lie beside the Agean Sea,
And with white lips they smiled their way to death.
Can we forget their deeds, still fresh today,
And careless be to keep their memory green?
Some hearts are sad and many heads are grey
And love says sadly, "Ah, what might have been."
Yet still among us broken men remain,
Who fought and suffered in the long ago;
They silent bear the bitterness and pain,
Unspoken thoughts that only they can know.
We bow the head and silent homage pay,
And think of all the stricken peoples bore;
And cry in silent grief, "God sent the day,
When war's dread horrors shall be known no more.
R. HERBERT MILLINGTON, Narrandera