On First Viewing Peter Weir's Gallipoli Poem by Michael Walker

White crosses on a cliff face blood red sun,
As friends together stand between their deaths
And heaven, when their race is finally run,
When they have aught expended through their breaths.

We two have crossed the lower world's expanse,
And met with friend and enemy alike,
Perchance with a lovely maiden to dance;
More likely, rocks of doom alone to hike.

Where full-grown naked men swim in the womb,
War slays and then revives their innocence;
The deaths of youths in amity assume
A beauty which is their only defense.

Thy rod and staff can turn this desert green,
When life braves death so that love can be seen.