War - Ww1 - Furphy Poem by Paul Warren

What a funny word where Australian is said
When thinking that the truth may be only half read
And it is not really true but maybe you'll see
So when it is put together it could possibly be

It seems the rumour of how the word meant no more
Than during the First World War for water to score
These tanks on wagon wheels went pulled to the front line
As a drink for the troops they needed to find

The troops stood around having a cup of water thankfully drank
Near the word ‘Furphy' stamped on the back side of the tank
And so as they gathered rumours were spread
Of spells out of the line and attacks to dread.

So when Australians gather together to speak
If they say it's a ‘Furphy' it is not a truth so to think
But a rumour that makes a good story told
When passed on as a ‘Furphy' which makes it quite bold.