ARCADIA
I’ve stayed in many a boarding-house,
From good, to fair, to rotten,
Seeking the comfort of a home
With all its cares forgotten.
In pubs I’ve dwelt and drowned the cares
Which canker life by meeting
With open hand each casual friend,
And moistened well each greeting.
I’ve dwelt in many a town and shire,
From Cairns to Wangaratta;
I’ve dropped into the Brisbane show
And Bundaberg Regatta.
But now I’ve struck an ideal spot,
Where pleasure never cloys.
Just list’ to the advantages
This choice retreat enjoys—
The rent is free, no board to pay,
No land or income taxes,
And on my tail no middleman
Nor fat man fatter waxes.
If I should say I need some clothes,
Someone will just “take action”;
No tailors’ bills can worry me
And drive me to distraction.
And should my health appear to fail
And appetite grow fine,
My doctor hands me—not a bill,
But just a Number 9.[21]
The scenery is glorious,
The sunsets are cyclonic;
The atmosphere’s so full of iron,
It acts as quite a tonic.
And even parsons preach the Word,
Nor take up a collection;
While politicians don’t exist,
Nor e’en a by-election.
No scandal ever hovers here
To sear our simple lives;
And married men are always true
To absent, loving wives.
But the crowning gift of all is—no-
One’s happiness is marred,
Finding answers to the questions
On that d——d War Census Card.
And should you doubt if there can be
A spot which so excels,
Let me whisper—it is Anzac!
Anzac by the Dardanelles.
Bombardier H. E. Shell,
7th Battery, Aust. F.A.