Farewell Old War Horse.

This poem refers to WW1 and is inspired by the feeling of Australian Lighthorsemen who,

because of quarantine regulations, had to leave their horses in the Middle East on their return to Australia.

The struggle for freedom has ended they say

The days of fatigue and remorse

But our hearts one and all are in memory today

We are losing our old friend, the Horse.

The old quadruped that has carried us thro

The sand ridden caravan track

And shared in the charge of the gallant and true

With the boys who will never come back.

Oh those long weary days thro a miniature hell

Short of water and nothing to eat

Each hour we climbed down for a few minutes' spell

And dozed safe and sound at your feet.

When the enemy shrapnel broke overhead

As we passed up that Valley of Death

You never once slackened in the hail of lead

Through the boldest of all held their breath

But we never forget you, old comrade and friend

When the QM Dump hove in sight

What the Buckshee to Gippo's we scored in the end

And your rations were double that night.

Then came the long journey, the greatest of all

The cavalry stunt f the world

The sons of Australia had answered the call

And the Ensign of Freedom unfurled.

And now we are leaving you footsore and worn

To the land where the Mitchell grass grew

Where you frolicked like lambs in the sweet scented morn

To the song of the Dismal Curlew.

So farewell to the Yarraman old warhorse, farewell

Be you mulga bred chestnut or bay

If there's a hereafter for horses as well

Then may we be with you some day.