Clarence Michael James Stanislaus Dennis - Anzac Eve lyrics

For some, it was the last sun that should set, For many, their last glimpse of fecund day A splendid sun, dipping, reluctant yet, Into blue water west of Mudros Bay; And they - new burnished coin to squander free In 'that red purchase' on Gallipoli. They guessed not; or, half guessing, did not reck That for the doomed no other sun should rise But to reveal the still forms that would fleck The Anzac Beach; staring with lifeless eyes Where carrier pigeons, white against the blue, Bore the dread tale for other skies they knew. They sang, they laughed; and laughing cursed again The long monotony of Mudros Bay. Like hounds released, the eager shouting men Crowded the decks and whiled the time away At cards; half fearing what they most desired Might be denied them yet; and no shot fired. And, as that sun set in the azure vast, Who counted one day more or one day less? How many deemed it was for them the last To light a world of blood and bitterness? Yet bitterness for many a heart lay there When next the sun blazed over Sari Bair.