Classic Poem

The waratah with martial mien,
Stands sentry on the height.
With barbed leaves and spear-like stem,
Mail glinting in the light.

And when the long red-bellied snake
Coils round its purple stem,
It typifies the ceaseless wake
Of brave, forfending men.

And the long petals shining tense,
Like " ails " of living gore,
Show what would flow in quick defence,
Should foe invade our shore.

So, let the warlike waratah
To no weak rival yield,
For every soldier yet shall wear
It on the battle-field.

And the wild giant, bloody red,
Emblazoned yet shall be,
The bold insignia borne ahead
Of our artillery.