The Diggers Oath Poem by Paul Warren

They gathered together thinking it's not right
To charge for mining permits with gold in sight
So they gathered together at the Eureka Stockade
And armed themselves in their righteous crusade

Each digger stood by the Southern Cross flying true
And gave the oath vowing to defend each other too
"We swear by the Southern Cross to stand truly by each other and fight to defend our rights and liberties"
As free settlers in a free land standing together bravely

And some died defending these words sacred to them
When they stood side by side and were done in
The idea of being strong and free
Was forged in these words for all Australians to see

Since those days their sons and daughters have answered the call
When their blood was spilled so that freedom wouldn't fall
So when there are challenges meted out to us
Remember those standing with us
honouring the Southern Cross.

© Paul Warren Poetry