Gallipoli

Say that the word is gall –

cusped, broken on the tongue:

redolent of battles that appal.

Say that the word is gall.

Heroes, ordinary blokes, all

sung for Gaba Tepe, dying young –

Say that the word is gall –

cusped, broken on the tongue.

*The Landing at Anzac Cove, Sunday 25 April, 1915

is also known as the Landing at Gaba Tepe.

Katherine Gallagher

Teacher Notes:

The poem above is a TRIOLET about Anzac and the loss of young life. Secondary school students may like to try this form.

The TRIOLET has eight lines but only two rhymes. The first line is repeated twice and the second once :AbaAabAB,

My poem Gallipoli is a play on words on the word gall and bitterness.

Look online for other examples of a TRIOLET and give it a try.

Enjoy

Katherine Gallagher