Wind O’ The Autumn
July 6, 2023To One of our wounded
July 6, 2023War Heel!
Thrusters are steadying; hounds at a loss,
Checked at the stile leading into the lane,
Feel for it forward and feather across,
Keen to recover their quarry again.
Horsemen sit silently watching the pack;
Nothing is heard but the clinking of steel,
Then a low whimper–one hound running back-
‘ ‘War’ heel, there! ‘War’ heel!’
Life’s but a heart-stirring hunt at the best.
Checked by old memories, bid them begone!
Fling to the front with a laugh and a jest,
All that you seek for is for’ard and on !
Never look backward and never repine,
Keep with the pack as they scatter and wheel,
Turn from the years that have trampled the line!
‘War’ heel, there! ‘War’ heel!’
William Henry Ogilvie
William Henry Ogilvie (1869-1963) was a Scottish-Australian poet and author who is known for his poetry about the Australian Outback. His works include "Fair Girls and Gray Horses" and "The Australian Horseman". Ogilvie was also a horseman and cattle rancher in Australia, and his experiences on the ranch served as inspiration for his poetry.