Poetry

I SAID AN 'AUSTRALIAN DAY' PRAYER TODAY!

I said an Australian Day Prayer today

And know that God must have heard.

I didn't ask for wealth or fame

I asked for priceless treasures rare

Of a more lasting kind ...

I prayed that He would be near all Australians and their Families

No matter where they are in the world

On this day and in the years to come

At the start of each new day

To grant all Australian's health and blessings fair,

And Friends to share their way.

I asked for happiness for all Australians and their Families Always

In all things great and small

That All Australians and their Families will know His loving care

I prayed the most of all.

Wishing Everyone A Most Wonderful Australia Day!

Peter Neville.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

We are the secret casualties,

the walking, talking wounded~

No visible scars,

missing limbs,

or sightless eyes;

just sudden starts,

wakeful nights,

mood-shifts,

and numbed emotions.

We cope with life

as if it’s just milk spilt,

mopped up,

wrung out,

then swilled away.

We carefully unwrap old memories

as if they are too fragile,

or too awful,

to examine.

Victimised by our own dreams

we forever re-live old horrors:

cherishing life,

yet unafraid of death.

Somehow, dead

while still alive.

Not a Hero

The ANZAC Day march was over - the old Digger had done his best.
His body ached from marching - it was time to sit and rest.
He made his way to a park bench and sat with lowered head.
A young boy passing saw him - approached and politely said,
"Please sir do you mind if I ask you what the medals you wear are for?
Did you get them for being a hero, when fighting in a war?"

Startled, the old Digger moved over and beckoned the boy to sit.
Eagerly the lad accepted - he had not expected this!
"First of all I was not a hero," said the old Digger in solemn tone,
"But I served with many heroes, the ones that never came home.
So when you talk of heroes, it's important to understand,
The greatest of all heroes gave their lives defending this land.

"The medals are worn in their honour, as a symbol of respect.
All diggers wear them on ANZAC Day - it shows they don't forget."
The old digger then climbed to his feet and asked the boy to stand.
Carefully he removed the medals and placed them in his hand.
He told him he could keep them - to treasure throughout his life,
A legacy of a kind - left behind - paid for in sacrifice.

Overwhelmed the young boy was speechless - he couldn’t find words to say.
It was there the old Digger left him - going quietly on his way.
In the distance the young boy glimpsed him - saw him turn and wave goodbye.
Saddened he sat alone on the bench - tears welled in his eyes.
He never again saw him ever - but still remembers with pride,
When the old Digger told him of Heroes and a young boy sat and cried.

- Clyde