POET David Delaney never dreamed his words would become part of a commemorative Anzac Day ceremony in France.

The former furniture removalist from Forest Gardens said he was overwhelmed that his poem Villers-Bretonneux, named after a town in France, would be read on Anzac Day to mark the role Australian troops played in rebuilding the town after World War I.

The poem is one of 30 in his latest book, Rhymes of Times, which was launched on Saturday.

It will be the first time in 90 years that a ceremony will be held at Villers-Bretonneux.

"It’s about how the Aussies saved the town and how that friendship has stayed," Mr Delaney said.

"There were 1200 Aussies who were buried in the fields and on the top of every blackboard in the town’s school is "Never forget Australia" and I put those words in the final line of my poem.

"Every time I mention it, I get all tingly because it’s such an honour."

Mr Delaney said he wrote for the "average mums and dads" and the "average Aussie".

His first book,My Small Book of Poems, was launched last May.

Rhymes of Times is available from Angus and Robertson at Stockland Cairns, Collins Bookshop at Smithfield, IGA Forest Gardens, Yungaburra Information Centre and the Mareeba Tourist and Information Centre.

Rhymes of Times is available from Angus and Robertson at Stockland Cairns, Collins Bookshop at Smithfield, IGA Forest Gardens, Yungaburra Information Centre and the Mareeba Tourist and Information Centre.

The full poem is:

VILLERS-BRETONNEUX
   As we gather here this day on this historic occasion
   Dignitaries, visitors and locals feeling heartfelt emotion
   Remembering our Diggers repelling a ferocious German force
   Helping to slow the advancing war, ""history changing course``
   
   Advance they did under darkness with typical larrikinism
   These battle weary men, moving forward with precision
   On the 25th of April, the Germans now encircled and trapped
   Our Anzacs closed in, their energy all but sapped
   
   The enemy, those not caught, bolted at a great pace
   This town in ruins, devastation shown on the locals` face
   Soon the rebuilding started, chateaux, churches and homes
   The gratitude of these people, forever will be known
   
   Saluting the thousands, for freedom they gave their life
   In this time where oppressive and inhumane death was rife
   To the 1200 brave young men who never returned
   Their spirits in teh vast fields, are forever interned
   
   So for the beautiful people of Villers-Bretonneux
   My heartfelt words I write for all, will be forever heard
   Your thoughts and kindness in our minds leaves no doubt
   That international mateship, yes! This is what it`s about
   
   To remember and honour our Anzacs every April as well
   We acknowledge your suffering, at what seemed like hell
   Working together side by side, rebuilding your town
   Time has proved over the years, our friendship has no bounds
   
   While back home, in the city or outback riding the fences
   Those that returned, for a while forgetting the horror trenches
   Remembering this town, and profoundly wearing the slouched hat
   Warmly referring to these wonderful folk simply as ""Mate``
   
   Now one thing that stands clear through all this ceremony
   Something that can`t be bought for any sum of money
   Three simple words, prove our friendship will never be a failure
   N`oublions jamais I`Australiie or never forget Australia
   
   Lest we forget
   -David Delaney

 

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