Strike For Indonesian Freedom Poem by Bartlett Adamson

Yet once more, my fellow-workers! Yet once more you lead the van,
Armed with all unselfish motives, fighting for your fellowman.
Never was a worthier struggle than this Indonesian cause.
Never gentler people suffered under more degrading laws.

Just as diggers at Eureka fought an iron tyranny,
So these Indonesian patriots fight for freedom yet to be.
So you, workers of Australia! born of that Eureka breed,
Truly stand by these, your brothers, fight their fight in word and deed.

Workers of the wharves and hatches! Men who front the waterways!
Once you fought for Chinese fighting in the famous 'Dalfram' days!
As you challenged then the might of money, Menzies, and Japan,
Now you fight these Dutch dictators who would crush their fellowman.

Yours a deed of noblest motive. Yours a full self-sacrifice.
Yet your actions get distorted in a gust of printed lies.
Lies decreed by windy barons governing the daily Press.
But-those hungering Indonesians bless you for your selflessness.

And, as Indonesian millions bless you through their doubts and fears,
As they'll greet you, brothers ever, through their songs and through the years,
So will men the whole world over speak of you in times to be:
These were leaders when the people still were struggling to be free.

Fighters in the front of freedom! Wardens of the waterside!
Fellow-workers! How you thrill and fill my heart with hope and pride!