SYMBOLS OF REMEMBRANCE

'Mummy what are we doing here, this happened last November?'
'Shussh darling' Mother says 'we're trying to remember.'
'Remember what?' the child persists, as only children can,
'And why is that man crying, and who's that other man?

Questions all that come to us, as we stand here this morn,
And think of those of long ago, and the symbol of the dawn.
We hear the rifle shot, the bugle and the pipes, see the piper in his plaid,
We watch as flags unfurl, and see the wreaths are laid.

The Padre calls us all to prayer, and we stand there all so quiet,
What is important of this day, and who was in a plight?
'Because' is just not good enough, as any child will tell,
When stupid and foolish men, turn green fields into Hell.

Why must the peaceful jungle, be beat by choppers blades?
And artillery fire, turn pea- green fields into muddy glades?
Why must it be that decent chaps, into murderers must turn?
And womenfolk and children, for lovers and fathers yearn?

Why is it then, that 'wise old men, who lead our nations on?
Know so much about the words, but have never learnt the song?
Well methinks they seek another symbol, and chase another God,
And leave it to the rest of us, onto combat we must plod.

So we'll stand here quietly darling, with symbols all around,
And pray to God around us as we stand on holy ground,
That evil never wins and common sense prevails,
That mankind lives in harmony, and peace-winds fill our sails.

©Copyright March 3, 2006 by A.R. [Lex] Fullarton

Author’s Note: As ANZAC Day comes upon us once again, I have penned up something a little different. Our theme this year is Symbolism and Ceremonies.