Articles

Every Man Should Have A Rifle.

This short poem was written by Henry Lawson in 1907. I came across it the other day and wondered if it could possibly apply to our modern times. Politicians of all colours talk about good times and promise more to come, but in the end it is the "no fuss" Australian who has to bear the brunt of their collective folly.

Every Man Should Have A Rifle.

So I sit and write and ponder, while the house is deaf and dumb,

Seeing visions "over yonder" of the war I know must come.

In the corner - not a vision - but a sign for coming days

Stand a box of ammunition and a rifle in green baize.

And in this, the living present, let the word go through the land,

Every tradesman, clerk and peasant should have these two things at hand.

 

No - no ranting song is needed, and no meeting, flag or fuss -

In the future, still unheeded, shall the spirit come to us!

Without feathers, drum or riot on the day that is to be,

We shall march down, very quiet, to our stations by the sea.

While the bitter parties stifle every voice that warns of war,

Every man should own a rifle and have cartridges in store!

 

For Australia