On the 25th of April we acknowledge

one hundred years of our ANZACs going to war.

At the behest of Mother England, tens of thousands

of our youth were destined for Gallipoli’s shore.

 

When they left their ‘homeland’

tears flowed as the Navy ships did depart.

Young men in their prime, wide eyed,

and excited, but with sadness in their heart.

 

Although it was not going to be an adventure,

nor was it in anyway going to be fun.

They didn’t stand a chance, young, proud

and only armed with a bayonet and an Enfield gun.

 

It would have been frightening hearing

the sound of gunfire in the distance.

Seeing the glow of war in the sky and not realising

that they would face overwhelming resistance.

 

They only knew that they were there

to rise to the challenge and to fight,

in the belief that their actions would keep

all their families safe by day and by night.

 

Their strength and courage continue

as part of the Aussie and Kiwi culture in every way.

Generations forever grateful for the ANZACs,

whom our Countries proudly acknowledge until this very day. ©

 

(Written Jan-April 2015, Copyrght 'Reserved' 

Gary Moss, My Poetry from the Heart