War - Ww1 - Kangaroo Feathers Poem by Paul Warren

We remember the Australian Light Horse of the Great War
In answering Australia's call to defend democracy and more
Each stood proud and true on their Waler horse
Their slung rifles and bridles jingled riding along of course

They wore the Australian slouch hat turned up on the side
The 40,000 horseman rode along in formation in their country's pride
Their desert column of Chauvel's men beat the Turks as one
With their Kangaroo feathers in their hats a legend was truly won

They have ridden off into history's bloodied page
Across the desert to the song of Banjo Paterson's sage
Waltzing Matilda was their anthem and pride shone on through
As Australia's best they rode through Jerusalem's conquerors gate too

After a hundred years we remember the legend of the Light Horse
And each ANZAC Day at Dawn's Service in the morning sun's course
These Kangaroo feathers are their mark and worn with so much pride
At battles such as Romani, Gaza and Beersheba they swept the Ottoman Empire aside.

© Paul Warren Poetry