FIELDS OF VIEW
By Glenda F. Krushka
“Can you see the light
On the Silky Oaks,”
The young soldier said to me.
“Can you see the white
Of the Morten Bay Ash,”
Again, he said to me.
“Can you see the blue
Of the oceans shore,”
He said once more to me.
“Can you see the gold
Of the sandy beach,”
Again, he said to me.
“Can you see the waves
Crash over them still;”
Once more he said to me.
“Can you see the lights
Of Brisbane town,”
Again, he said to me
“Can you see the vastness
Of the great outback,”
Once more he said to me.
“Sit back son,
Calm yourself.”
I said quietly to him.
He turned to me, with
His bandaged eyes
So swollen and ugly still.
“They’re gone father,
There’s nothing there.
I shall never see again.”
I turned to him and spoke
These words
As much for myself
As for him.
“Can you see the Oaks,
The Ash and the shores,
Are they mirrored in your
Mind?
Can you see the mountains,
Brisbane lights, and the
Outback you left behind.
Can you feel the vastness
Of mountain lakes,
And dew upon the grass?
Can you hear the tumble, of
Running streams,
With raindrops upon your heart.”
He quietened more and answered me
“Yes, I can taste, and touch and feel,
But it’s not the same as Gods
Good hand,
Giving sight that I may see.”
Then with a shout to break one’s heart,
Again, he queried me;
“Father, father! Oh my God
Why did this happen to me!
Anzac Day services will be held across the area today beginning with dawn services at 5.30am at Tewantin, 4.55am at Cooroy and 5.20am at Coolum. There will be marches at 9am at Tewantin and 10.30am at Cooroy and a 6pm service at Pomona.
