Just a Common Sailor

To the memory of those from all nations who served their Sovereign and Country at sea.

Just a Common Sailor

He was getting old and paunchy, and his hair was falling fast;
And he sat around the ‘Legion, telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he had fought in, and the deeds that he had done.
In his exploits with his buddies, they were heroes, everyone.

And tho’ sometimes to his neighbours, his tale became a joke.
All his ‘Legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.
But we’ll hear his tales no longer, for Old Bill has passed away;
And the words a little poorer, for a Sailor died today.

He’ll not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife,
for he lived an ordinary, and quite an uneventful life.
Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way,
and the world won’t note his passing, though a Sailor died today.

When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,
And thousands note their passing, and say that they were great.
Newspapers tell their life stories, from the time that they were young,
But the passing of a common Sailor, goes unnoticed and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land,
a person who breaks promises and cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow, who in times of war and strife,
goes off to serve our country, and offers up his life?

It’s so easy to forget them, for it was so long ago.
That the “Old Bills” of our country went to battle, but we know.
It was not the politicians, with their compromises and their ploys,
Who won for us our freedom, that are country now enjoys.

He was just a common Sailor, and his ranks are growing thin,
But this presence should remind us, we might need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the Sailor’s part.
Is to clean up all the troubles, that others often start.

If we cannot give him the honour, while he’s here to hear the praise,
Then at least let’s give him homage, at the ending of his days.
Perhaps a simple notice in the papers that would say,
our country is in mourning, ’cause a Sailor passed away.
:(