Almost 1000 men under the age of 26 lies buried in the Coolgardie Cemetery.

The Ghosts of Bayley Street

The Ghosts of Bayley Street

Last night the occult was in power
And as the clocks struck midnight hour
With saddened eyes and soundless feet,
A thousand ghosts walked Bayley Street
Ghosts of men who, joys denying
Paved the way, and death-defying,
Left their dust forever lying
Where the town and bushland meet.

And there were some who would not smile,
For they lived but a little while,
They were but youths who chose to roam,
And seas roll deep twixt them and home.
Youths who let the gold god blind them,
Lads who left their loves behind them,
Strong brave youths –God grant we find them
In the time that is to come.

With pallid face and shining feet,
the dawn strode west down Bayley Street,
and as it came the ghosts took flight, for they are
fashioned for the night. And Bayley Street for them forsaken,

The sleeping street that soon must waken,
from its dream past – was overtaken
By mans awakening and the light.

Author Jack Sorensen

Further Reading:

Book of Poems The Ghosts of Bayley Street by Jack Sorenson available from Hesperian Press