Winner, 2011 'Coo-ee March Festival' - Coo-ee March Section, Gilgandra, NSW.
Dear Mum and Dad, how are you both? Still anxious I suppose.
while marching down that long and dusty, winding, western track.
My hopes remain this war will cease and I’ll be coming back.
where we became acquainted with a first-hand glimpse of Hell.
of fighting someone who, in peace, would share a beer with me.
encouraged by the Rev’rand’s speeches, now is surely dead.
when Gil rejoiced with fervent pride, have also thinly worn.
and would not shirk my duty to my Company or you.
a bond of sheer ‘esprit de corps’, to numb the hand of fate.
the word ‘round here says Fritz is building up for one last show.
unless the locals glorify our stance against the Hun.
they say he’s pretty savvy at this dreadful killing game.
so now we fight for one another, not for God or King.
I wonder if those two look on and ever feel ashamed.
he passed away in hospital embraced in Coo-ee pride.
if he had made it to the Front and seen the slaughter here.
Remember Leslie Greenleaf, that young Pommy mate of mine?
He featured in some action when he came back to the line.
toward the chilling, woeful sounds and brought the beggar back.
now Greenie’s tunic models courage where a medal sits.
perchance I’ll see it one more time before my days are done.
And yet this place has changed us all – for better? I’m not sure.
I think the dead and buried are indeed the lucky ones.
and if there’s something worse than death, then I know what it is.
more women weep while staring at a cherished photograph.
but those returning must ensure it never dines again.
but never mind, they tell us that the end is almost near.
The war has broken Fritz at home; four months will see it won.
So until then, God bless you both, love Jack, your faithful son.