How Quickly They've Forgotten
by Pamela Fox (c) Nov.06

How quickly they've forgotten
how you helped to tame this land,
How you traversed unknown country,
mountain range and desert sand.
How you pulled their loaded wagons
or with pack upon your back,
supplied the outback stations
down some deeply rutted track.


How quickly they've forgotten
how you helped to till the soil,
How you pulled the fallen timber,
worked beside him in his toil,
How you gently carried children
to a schoolhouse miles away
and waited there with patience
till school finished for the day.

How quickly they've forgotten
how you swam a swollen creek
returning with a doctor
for their loved one growing weak.
How you helped round up the livestock
or cut off a sudden rush
when something spooked the cattle
You braved horn and heaving crush.

How quickly they've forgotten
how you carried them in war,
How you faced the sands of Egypt
or some other foreign shore,
How you charged against the enemy
obeying each command
but did not journey home with them
when ordered to disband.

Now your offspring are the enemy
should they desire to roam
through national park or forest land
so long considered home.
For they are labelled 'brumbies'
just a pest to be destroyed
with gun and helicopter
cruel culling is employed.
-o0o-
(Reproduced with Permission)