An Anzac’s Ghostly Warning

I am living in Australia –

With a dead man close beside;

He has no form or substance,

But he’s tough and strong inside

He regards us all with pity,

For he thinks us soft and weak;

I can feel his harsh compassion,

Tho’ no words does that man speak

“Are you ready to defend the nation?”

Seemed to be his high concern;

I heard his thoughts inside me —

He was kind, but also stern:

“Tough times are in the future,

So you need now to prepare;

Don’t be foolish or complacent,

Of coming danger, you must beware

Forget ye not the men of Anzac,

Remember well the nation’s dead;

During peace, prepare for war —

And be ready for times ahead!”

Andrew Guild