24/04/2020
In Memory of Those Who Have Fallen
Remember the Lighthorse...
I was one of thousands of horses
Bred on the mountains and plains
Known as a breed called the 'Waler'
With courage and stamina a-flow in my veins
Like the men and women of our country
We were called upon for war
And just like our human comrades
We were drafted by the scores
I was broken in to the bridle
They were trained to the rifle and bayonet
I learnt to jump and run with stifling weight
They learnt from blood and tears and sweat
I was a trooper's horse, a 'Lighthorse'
Known for bravery and speed
My larger brothers pulled the heavy guns
Each one, a credit to our breed
Our training days were over
And the best of us walked the line
Thousands of Australians
Who were called upon to shine
We were loaded on a metal ship
Spending months upon the sea
Floating to a land of war
To our very destiny
I was fearful, I was wary
But obedient and brave
My trooper asked for brilliance
And that is how I would behave
As the shoreline of the war fields
Broke the far horizon grasp
The gunfire and the burning sand
Would make a bold soul gasp
We waited for the order
Then plunged onto the sand
We were ready for this challenge
Noble steed and brave young man
We galloped to the war zone
To join our comrades side
Jumping bodies of the fallen
Who had fought and died with pride
Our line was being peppered
And I watched my brother's fall
But the vast majority made it safely
And we were ready for the call
We were picketed out at night time
Fed small rations from the stores
We were bred for this, to be hardy
Brave and honest to the core
Our victories were many
As we charged the enemy line
Jumping bunkers and gun turrets
We would surge, time after time
Casualties were common
Injured horses, injured men
But we were soldiers, so come morning
We would saddle up again
The conditions were atrocious
And the challenges were great
But I'd treasure every meal time
And a kind word from my mate
His gun would kill the enemy
His actions, regimental
But his heart was kind and honest
And his touch was kind and gentle
While the war exploded round us
I would calmly wait his cue
He would stroke my mane to ease me
Just one soul, from bodies two
I can't recall the miles we trudged
Or the numbers that we lost
But we were fighting for a greater good
And a triumph worth the cost
Our Victory was won from courage
That made us famous round the world
Our Lighthorse brigades, unbeatable
And the 'Waler' horse, the pearl
But unlike most other victories
Where the winner takes the spoils
Our Victory meant the end for us
No more would we touch the soil......
....Of our homeland, of the mountains
Of the lush and rich grass plains
We were laid to rest on a land of war
Our blood and bone to stain......
.....The beaches and the memories
Of the soldier men who ride
They couldn't take us home with them
And with us, a piece of them would die
So though our earthly gallops finished
We still roam the plains of dreams
Where our history shaped the future
Like rushing water in a stream
And as I talk to you from the pastures
That lay beyond this world
Please remember me 'The Lighthorse'
As your destiny unfurls
Written by Guy McLean ANZAC DAY April 2010
