Poem by Henry Lawson

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!

1. Since Then
2. The Song of Old Joe Swallow
3. When the `Army’ Prays for Watty
4. The Outside Track
5. Kangaroo Power

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