All Blood Runs Red
All blood runs red Regardless of whose army you serve All blood runs red And it tests every man’s nerve
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Poets Corner
A Killing Viewed Objectively
I once killed a man briefly – for eternity.But first I watched him: He is untangling a vine that stops his progress. Engrossed.
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BOCKA’S BOOTS
THERE’S A PAIR OF BOOTS, WITH A DIGGER’S HAT, MOUNTED FOR ALL TO SEE – A SILENT IMMORTAL TRIBUTE, FOR THEY’RE SURE TO OUTLAST ME.
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Another time – another life
Such a sacred oath to swear Of duty, discipline, and risk of life itself A proud flag to carry, and the nation’s cloth to wear.
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MONITOR MADNESS
The military has long had mascots, eagles, bulls and sheep, But when parades are over, someone has to sweep, The droppings…
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Acrostic – 9th Battalion
November, many years ago, In youthful number, innocent; National Service trained then sent Them off – to Vietnam they went.
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There are no winners
No matter age or season, the God of War is never far away One small chink in a tribe’s armour,
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THE OLD TEA CHEST
It’s just a battered tea chest, with its’ secrets long secured Within its tired and weathered frame, their future was
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Bayonet drill for recruits
Oh, how old soldiers remember past days with bayonet drill The shrieking orders; “on guard, thrust, parry, feint” “Go for
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No Tears Dad
He doesn’t show his tears As he brings the kids around The terminal loudspeakers yell All passengers boarding now.
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Our leaders of tomorrow
You, precious youth, are our nation’s future Look back beyond yesterday to unfold true history
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The Choko Vine
I had not long left the service and had so much time on hand, I tried to set up a vegie patch, on my little piece of land.
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AVIATOR (they can’t be bloody serious)
After 30 years in the RAAF, I thought I’d heard the lot And there are times I’m sure, someone has
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When CSM at Duntroon
When I was posted at Duntroon As C.S.M of ‘weeds and seeds’, Its grounds I’d walk each afternoon, Reflecting on
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Stan the Ram
When I was stationed at Enoggera, as a young platoon sergeant with 9RAR, a Merino ram was offered, and accepted,
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The battle line
His heart and mind was racing, he struggled to hold back his tears, He had no choice now and had to face his greatest fears.
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REMEMBER THE AUSTRALIAN SOLDIER
I am an Australian soldier; I stand tall and proud and trueI train and fight for freedom; I honour my country and I protect you.
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THE MONARCH
In the canyon of Her chapel, She prays there on Her own, The Monarch of our Commonwealth, now She sits alone.
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