Snowy River Men

So young,
The Snowy River Men.
When Baragry mounted the stage,
And called,
"Who is with me?"
Twelve looked toward adventure,
And escape from the labours of axe and plough.
They commenced the long walk.
And at each juncture,
Were received as pre-emptive  heroes.
Ladies fell upon them,
With embraces, hot tea and sandwiches,
Men, with the promise of glory,
Or a hero's death,
Swelled their ranks.
Footsore and weary they tramped to the beat of their song;

"We have come from the mountains and the everlasting snow,"
"We have come from the mountains where the Snowy River flows"

They may have been "ready now for glory" but none of them knew,
If they'd be coming home.
So one hundred years on,
We still know the youthful faces,
Those naïve young men.
Who didn't come home.
Their optimistic smiles radiate beneath,
The green felt hat and emu feather.
From the walls of the Delegate School of Arts,
In brand new frames.