"ANZAC 2026"
A faint drift of camp‑smoke moves across the oval
as neighbours gather in a loose ring,
boots scuffing dew‑dark grass.
Someone reads from an old diary,
paper soft at the folds,
its words settle over us
like a weather front passing slow across the range.
The march is smaller this year,
but each step lands with its own weight.
Kids lean from verandas with cardboard poppies,
a brass line warms the air near the cenotaph,
and the crowd parts gently
so, an older man can steady himself
before placing a wreath cut fresh from his yard.
By afternoon the town thins back into its rhythms—
shops half‑open, dogs restless at the fence.
A few of us stay near the memorial garden,
letting the day breathe out around us,
aware of how these gatherings
shape the way we carry our shared work forward
long after the bugle has faded.
.
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Author:
crypticbard (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: April 25th, 2026 05:44
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 26
- Users favorite of this poem: Friendship
- In collections: 2026.
Offline)
Comments8
A poem that commemorates a time when valor and patriotism meant something, when men were proud to wear a uniform and die for God and family. The sun has faded on that era and only a few lame remain. Very nicely written my friend
Those days are indeed gone. Now we carry only memories🙏🏻🕊️
Sometimes memories are lighter my friend
Moving piece. Love "letting the day breathe out around us." This work crawls softly along and has its own elegance. Great piece.
Thanks, Katie B. Most grateful to you🙏🏻🕊️
Voice of dissent here, Rik.
The pontification and hypocrisy which goes with Anzac day is right over the top. And if you read or saw the News, the dawn services the parades and the two up games were larger than ever. Focus on WW1 And WW2, no mention of Vietnam or any of the other conflicts around the world. The proposition that Gallipoli somehow turned or solidified Australia as a nation is being plugged again.
Yeah, I get that, Dave. For years that’s been a sore point in my experience of it. However, the local ceremonies that we’ve been part of have over the years included all services, all conflicts and even Allied veterans. I guess whoever is at the helm at that time of year puts their spin on things and that does muddle the whole thing up 🙏🏻🕊️
Thanks for that Rik. The whole thing gives me the shits.
Most welcome, Dave 🕊️🙏
Nicely written, your poem honors those who have served, promotes community bonds, and reflects on the significance of remembrance in shaping identity and collective history.
Thank you Friendship, for that reading 🙏🏻🕊️
Good write A. Happy Anzac Day to you there. How come I know about it, with one of us living 'upside down' on the other side of the world?! lol. We have VE Day (May) and VJ Day (August) in the UK.
Quite a few around the globe, correct. There’s Armistice and Remembrance as well, among others. 🙏🏻🕊️
Is there not also the biggie - Poppy Day on 11/11?
Yup, that one too, sometimes one too many. But with the tearing down of monuments and present day reckoning we are in flux as to what stirs unity and community. 🕊️🙏
A fine Poem on a Service of Remembrance.
My Father who was a D.Day Veteran used to say that the Attendance was getting smaller every year on Remembrance Sunday. And now even he has gone. We must never forget these brave Men - and Women.
Lest We Forget 🕊️🙏
Long after the bugle has faded indeed.Years after.I must confess to having changed my view of Anzac Day after my father died.He was in World war ii and to hear about his sacrifice it makes sense of the whole march,I was transported by this poem to 1000 different RSL clubs across Australia and proud of the Anzac legend once more.Well done compadre Lest we forget
This makes my day, David. Thanks amigo🙏🏻🕊️
"We will remember them."
Andy
Lest we forget.
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