They left their southern city by the Murray River’s flow,
Each mile they travelled leaving farther still behind,
The chilling blasts of Albury’s bitter winter’s freezing blow,
While up ahead awaited Queensland’s weather kind.
We looked out for their coming from each dawn to fading light,
Until we heard with gladsome hearts, the cry at last,
“The Andersons have come!” It was for us a warming sight,
Which we shall not forget, e’en when it long has passed.
Now of the next three weeks or so, a great deal could be told
Of blessed fellowship, of busy helping hands,
Of flying up and down the coast—we aviators bold
Though firmly on the ground dear Beryl ever stands.
At woodwork Jack is really good—now we’ve a ceiling bright
But when it comes to navigating on our way,
Now that’s another tale—Glen Geddes was Canoona site,
And Marlborough town, he never even found that day,
They loved the north and we loved them. They found it hard to leave,
And so they stayed beyond their own appointed date.
For us each new delay was like a sweet reprieve,
Like keeping tightly closed and locked the gate.
Some sunshine’s gone from Palmwoods, the birds now mute their songs.
The pain of parting lingering on directs our eyes
To that all heavenly day when we shall mingle with the throngs,
Who’ll never know the sounds of separations sighs.
Now hear you three, and hear it well, you all come back next year.
Just hitch that van and give the car full head and rein,
You’ll find up north the warmest welcome waiting for you here,
Come back, come back, you hear and stay with us again!
F. T. Wright, 1978
