of interest

Written on returning home from Gallipoli after attending the Dawn Service on Anzac Day 2006. What an experience.

 

reader responses

I salute your tribute to the dead Anzacs from 1914-18. I have had a huge interest in the poets of WW1 for a long time now and try to honour them by bringing their poetry to public forums where possible. I'm pleased you were able to gain so much from your visit to Gallipoli. Regards,
Vonnie

Dudley's reply:

Vonnie!
Many thanks for your comments re Hand in Hand. As a long serving soldier i am also interested in anything relating to other old Diggers. One of my greatest pleasures was being Catering Officer for the RSL Veterans Retirement Village in Sydney for 10 years. The trip to Gallipoli was more than I had anticipated. Not ashamed to say I cried.
Best wishes Vonnie,
Dudley Pye

 

Hand in Hand

© Dudley C. Pye AM JP

The suns above the hilltops,
Through cloud emits its ray,
That portrays the Digger emblem,
We honour still today.

Words of homage fill the air,
Mingled with the muffled sighs,
Look around survey the crowd,
See teardrops in their eyes.

Among our nations heroes,
On this ever sacred ground,
Whispered words of gratitude,
While the muted bugles sound.

Thanks to those who died here,
Now in this sacred soil,
Replete with all their sacrifice,
Their blood their sweat their toil.

I know their ghosts are with us,
For I have one by the hand,
Together we recite the ode,
To the long gone gallant band.

How can this old Digger thank him?
Now so far down the track,
I let him know just one thing,
I wished he had come back.

I sense this ghostly Digger,
Is contented with his lot,
I sensed that he was smiling,
Glad his country's not forgot.

Silence our priority,
We walk now hand in hand,
Two Diggers there on Anzac Cove,
Leaving footsteps in the sand.

Apr 06