Feature articles

RETURN TO THE KOKODA TRACK

	above left: Sgt Bede Tongs, MM above right: Bede Tongs at Owers Corner, 2002

I stand again upon this hallowed ground,
Alone and quiet — but as I look around
And gaze intently into the dark, dim jungle,
Midst moss and vines and colourful butterflies,
I SEE FACES —
Young, not like mine
For it is older now.
Each step upon this track I know a face is near,
For many soldiers trod this mud
And many soldiers blood
Consecrated the ground with its scarlet glow.
A forward scout had fallen near the track junction,
The second scout, his mate, close by.
Although their eyes had searched the damp jungle,
They did not see that death was near.
Ambush, patrol, attack or defence, the price was high;
As soldiers fell
Friends filled the void.
And so today, as I move o’er the hollowed ground,
I SEEK THE YOUNG FACES —
Not like mine, for it is older now

Written by Sgt Bede Tongs MM, 1980. 3rd Infantry Bn, Kokoda Track
(written just through the Kagi Gap, on the Kokoda Track)