Gallipoli

 

Gallipoli

I've stood on the lands where many were slain,

On the shores of Gallipoli.

And wondered whether they all died in vain

On the shores of Gallipoli.

 

The Anzacs and Johnnies, the Mehmets as well,

On the shores of Gallipoli.

Fought for a cause that's now easier to tell

On the shores of Gallipoli.

 

I've stood there in silence with tears in my eyes,

On the shores of Gallipoli.

Where brave men died without any goodbyes,

On the shores of Gallipoli.

 

I've felt for the souls who rest in that land,

On the shores of Gallipoli.

I've crumbled grains of it's soil in my hand,

On the shores of Gallipoli.

 

I've felt the warm breeze that caresses each grave

On the shores of Gallipoli.

I've looked out to sea where each memory's a wave

On the shores of Gallipoli.

 

I've lived to learn that enemies became friends

On the shores of Gallipoli.

Anzacs, Tommies and Turks made amends

On the shores of Gallipoli.

 

'Twas the Mehmets that saved those lands of their own

On the shores of Gallipoli.

We now realise that they fought for their home

On the shores of Gallipoli.

 

Ataturk in a letter expressed from his heart

On the shores of Gallipoli.

Your sons are our sons and will always be part

Of the shores of Gallipoli.

 

 

JJW

February 2013