Seager, Alexandrine – April 1915

Letters

Dear gallant wall of khaki. Bonny Boys in Navy Blue
Who shelter us from bettered Belgium’s fate –
How eagerly we watch the mail that brings a line from you,
And – how long between the mail we have to wait!

How infinitely dear to us the soldier’s censored scrawl.
Oft pencilled ‘neath the palms beside the Nile
Or in a crowded troopship and disturbed by many a call
From a jolly throng of comrades all the while.

The ‘Just a line to say “good-bye,” we’re leaving Egypt now
Our destination is unknown,’ they say.
‘But all the same, I mean to get a letter through somehow,
And you bet your life that I shall find a way.’

Those meagre printed postcards with their questions and replies –
Bring home to us as nothing one came name –
War’s horrid grim reality, and what before them lies;
But we know Australia’s boys will play the game.

Dear gallant lads in Khaki! Bonnie boys in Navy Blue’
Till the Death you’ll hold Australia’s honour high;
But the coming years will crown you with the glory that’s the due.
Of the brave who proudly claimed the right to die.