EVERYBODY HAS A STORY TO TELL…JULY 2016…
Recently I was asked to write a poem by the Snowy River Sub-Branch of the RSL to commemorate the unveiling of the Berridale Memorial Rock, which I was honoured to do.
Prior to writing the poem I wanted to be ‘in situ’ and visit what I would be sharing through verse. I went for a Sunday drive to read and reflect on the memorial and its significance.
Before me was a beautiful granite rock standing proudly with plaques acknowledging those who served in WW1, WW2, Vietnam and the Boer war.
Within a couple of days I had written the poem and was invited to read it at the ceremony to be held 12 noon July 1st.
It can be nerve racking reading to a large crowd so I tried to take it easy that morning – staying relaxed, taking the dog for a walk, meditation and a chat with my mate in Melbourne.
As I made my way to the door to depart I saw that my Husbands keys were on the hook and not mine. He had accidently taken them and was up skiing with a mate. Never mind says I to myself – I have the spare car key.
I went to the car and turned the key in the ignition – it would not start – I tried again, and again – the same refrain no, no, no. It would not go.
Usually by this time I would be quite frantic but for some reason I was remarkably composed.
I did a mental check of my options. It was a ten minute drive to Berridale so getting someone from Berridale to come and collect me would not be an option or we would miss the start of the service.
I called my neighbour – her mother answered – I explained my dilemma.
“I’ll give you a lift to Berridale – that’s what neighbours are for…”
June and I had a lovely chat on the way – a calm and wise woman whose help and humour I was most grateful for. I arrived at five minutes to 12 noon – the ceremony went off beautifully and the poem was recited without a hitch.
I guess we never know what goes on behind the scenes with any given person on any given day.
Reflecting on the circumstances I was most pleased that I kept my composure. Clear thoughts lead to clear outcomes.
In times past I would have been a stressed out mess had this occurred. What has shifted for me I pondered?? Meditation…Qi Gong…A change in perspective…emotional maturity…I’ll meditate on it!!
As the saying goes ‘All’s well that ends well…’
Take a deep breath and enjoy this poem from our beautiful Snowy Mountains. Love and Light…Lee xx
A PLAQUE ON THE WALL…
Who is that soldier? A plaque on the wall.
Where did he serve? Where did he fall?
Friends, family, brethren who heeded the call.
For country – with courage – they gave it their all…
‘What are those names all up there on the rock?’
A Child enquires – a Mother takes stock.
Reflections and memories – on pasts’ door they knock.
Time now unwinds as she hears the ‘tick-tock’.
Who is that soldier? A plaque on the wall.
Where did he serve? Where did he fall?
Friends, family, brethren who heeded the call.
For country – with courage – they gave it their all…
‘Your Great Great Grandfather – he fought in the war.
Left on a boat to a strange foreign shore.
A long, hard, brave battle that cut to the core.
So many young men that our great country bore.’
Who is that soldier? A plaque on the wall.
Where did he serve? Where did he fall?
Friends, family, brethren who heeded the call.
For country – with courage – they gave it their all…
‘Are you OK Mummy – what made you cry?
I know he was brave – he really did try.
Our Great Great Grandfather – did he live or die?
What happened Mum?’ She said with a sigh.
Who is that soldier? A plaque on the wall.
Where did he serve? Where did he fall?
Friends, family, brethren who heeded the call.
For country – with courage – they gave it their all…
‘The enemy shot your Great Great Grandpa twice.
His life on a knives’ edge – a roll of the dice.
‘Died from wounds inflicted’ came Army advice.
That’s what they call the ‘Supreme Sacrifice.’
These were our young men who served in the war.
First – Second – Vietnam – Boer.
Community honours our ‘Diggers’ once more.
That’s what this cenotaph proudly stands for…
LEE TAYLOR-FRIEND