Every Man Should have a Rifle – Henry Lawson
So I sit and write and ponder while the house is deaf and dumb, Seeing visions “over yonder” of the war I know must come.
In the corner – not an idea – but a sign for coming days Stand a box of ammunition and a rifle in green baize.
And in this, the living present, let the word go through the land; every tradesperson, clerk, and peasant should have these two things at hand.
No – no ranting song is needed, and no meeting, flag, or fuss –
In the future, still unheeded, shall the spirit come to us!
Without feathers, drum, or riot on the day that is to be, We shall march down, very quietly, to our stations by the sea.
While the bitter parties stifle every voice that warns of war,
Every man should own a rifle and have cartridges in store!
These words I read here are, again, sadly, on our shores. How many Aussies died across the top of our land? All races from black to white, Muslim Tribes of aboriginals settled eons ago. We are of numerous races and religions. They took up arms to fight for our country's freedom. Sons and daughters were slaughtered. Our people were descended upon for what? Fighting a War they never wanted. I wonder what Henry Lawson would say today as a tear trickles down my face 🦋
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