So I sit and write and ponder, while the house is deaf and dumb, <br />Seeing visions "over yonder" of the war I know must come. <br />In the corner - not a vision - but a sign for coming days <br />Stand a box of ammunition and a rifle in green baize. <br />And in this, the living present, let the word go through the land, <br />Every tradesman, clerk and peasant should have these two things at hand. <br /> <br />No - no ranting song is needed, and no meeting, flag or fuss - <br />In the future, still unheeded, shall the spirit come to us! <br />Without feathers, drum or riot on the day that is to be, <br />We shall march down, very quiet, to our stations by the sea. <br />While the bitter parties stifle every voice that warns of war, <br />Every man should own a rifle and have cartridges in store! <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /><br />Henry Lawson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/every-man-should-have-a-rifle/
