I didn’t know the old soldier farewelled today
Many of his comrades were there to bid a fond hooray
No Ministers of the Crown or other big wigs did attend
He was just another statistic for Canberra to amend
During the service there were no VIP photo shoots
Just an old bloke being buried who had worn military boots
Once a young fellow who stepped forward to be enlisted
Or was he one of those the government conscripted?
He was the blank file, the marker and in the rear rank
Perhaps a rifleman, gunner, sig or in a tank
He was one of many who soldiered in thick and thin
Stepping into the unknown to face war and its terrible din
Like his mates, he laughed and joked when thing were tough
Was there a time in the field when it wasn’t rough?
When danger threatened he always stood fast
Vowing to remain with his mates to the very last
He was the young bloke from next door
The butcher, baker or the kid from the grocery store
The bank teller or the quiet one who came from the farm
Or the nomad from the outback always ready with a yarn
The salesman knocking on the door to tempt you to buy more
He was the hero on final leave before sailing from our shores
He became the old bloke who never missed an ANZAC Day
The lone pensioner known for a smile and a warm gidday
And in the end, a joke to share while waiting for God’s bus
He was a proud old soldier and a treasure to all of us
I reckon as he was bid that fond hooray
Those who went before him were already saying gidday
So as sure as day follows night
Soon or late, Father Time will win this fight
Then their proud column will once more be complete
As they march along some far distant street
George Mansford © July 2011
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