An old digger
ANZAC soldiers, we remember
All across the misted years
At the cenotaph this morning
Rain becomes the roses' tears
Faded photographs remaining
Though the sweethearts pass away
Perhaps to meet the boys returning
In their now-immortal clay
Bugle calls us into silence
Flag lies limply on the staff
Then the bright notes lift our faces
Old companions meet and laugh
Benedictions, anthems rising
Next year we'll be here again
But for now we leave the ANZACS
To the roses in the rain.
ANZAC soldiers, we remember
All across the misted years
At the cenotaph this morning
Rain becomes the roses' tears
Faded photographs remaining
Though the sweethearts pass away
Perhaps to meet the boys returning
In their now-immortal clay
Bugle calls us into silence
Flag lies limply on the staff
Then the bright notes lift our faces
Old companions meet and laugh
Benedictions, anthems rising
Next year we'll be here again
But for now we leave the ANZACS
To the roses in the rain.