THE DIGGER

[Maureen K Clifford]

THE DIGGER



We buried an old digger mate here today,
I didn’t know him all that well
But what I knew of him I must say I liked
he was friendly and had yarns to tell.

He said ‘‘There were two wars I fought in you know
when I was a much younger lad.
I made it back home in one piece, lucky me
for some mates out there copped it bad.

I’ve got a good family and wife. That’s a fact
they’ve cared for me best as they could.
But some days I don’t feel too flash. It’s no act.
for my health’s shot and no longer good.’’

Well it wasn’t long afterwards that he passed on
and family and friends here today
all sorrow and mourn. Alas time marches on
now another good bloke’s gone away.

The RSL played the last post at his grave,
near the flag covered casket. So sad.
A mate of his who was a digger as well
said it was a beaut view that Len had.

“Len would be right pleased to be facing the sun
where it rises o’er hills every dawn.
He was the bright spark in the ranks, was old Len
I’ll miss the bugger now he’s gawn.”

I often remember that country graveyard
in the mulga scrub out at Brooloo
and I sure hope that Len really does like it there
it’s a place with a bloody great view.




Maureen Clifford ©

[Neville Briggs]

I think you've managed the conversational style that suits the theme and the mood, I like it Maureen.

[Maureen K Clifford]

Thanks Neville - it is in fact a true story - one of my ex's uncles. The other one is buried here at Ipswich believe it or not and his story A headstone for Uncle Toby is equally quirky. Imght put it on the site

Cheers

Maureen