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Source: The IMPERIAL SONGSTER No 87 Specially written by Wilton Grey. SITE SOURCE: SYDNEY FOLKLORE - SECTION 13: Transport THE SUNSHINE RAILWAY SMASHThere were parting words and kisses,There were promises to write, As the train steamed out of Ballarat That fatal Easter night. Hearts beat high with joy and pleasure, Song and story passed around; Not a moment's thought of danger As the train sped homeward bound. There were husbands, wives and children, Brothers, sisters, sweethearts gay, One and all were bright and happy – They had spent a merry day. Little golden heads were nestled Close against their mother's breast, Joyful hearts, with cheery voices, Sand the songs they loved the best. Glad to be returning homewards, Thinking only with delight, Of the loved ones fondly waiting Their return that fatal night. Bright young lives so full of promise, Hearts that beat with gay delight, Side be side lay crushed and mangled On the fatal Easter night. How describe the grief and anguish Of the ones who watched in vain, For the dear familiar faces They would never see again; How describe the scenes of sorrow, In those cold grey hours of dawn. When from the burning wreckage One by one the dead were borne, Over forty lives had perished – Hurried swiftly to their doom, And Australia, their sunny country, For a time was plunged in gloom. Trusting they shall have God's mercy, In that better land so bright, Let us drop the curtain softly On that fatal Easter night. |