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He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast, And he sat around with his buddies 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, every one. And tho’ sometimes to his neighbors, his tales became a joke, All his buddies listened, for they knew where of he spoke. But we'll hear his tales no longer, for old Nick passed away, And the world's a little poorer, for a sailor died today. No he won't be mourned by many, just his children and his wife, For he lived an ordinary... and very quiet sort of life, He held a job and raised a family... quietly going on his way; And the world won't note his passing; the' a sailor died today. When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state, While thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great, Papers tell of their life stories from the time that they were young, But the passing of a sailor goes unnoticed, and unsung. If the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land, Some politician broken promise and cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow who in times of war and strife, Goes off to serve his Country and offers up his life? The politician's stipend and the style in which he lives, Are sometimes disproportionate to the services he gives, While, the ordinary sailor, who offered up his all, If paid off; with a medal, and perhaps a pension small. It's so easy to forget them, for it was so long ago, That our Nick's and Jim's and Johnny's went to battle for one and all, But we know it was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys, Who won for us the freedom that our country now enjoys. Should you find yourself in danger with your enemies at hand, Would you really want some politician with his ever warning stand?Or would you want a soldier / sailor who has sworn to defend, His home, his kin, and country, and would fight until the end? He was Just a common sailor and his ranks are growing thin, But his presence should remind us, we may need his like again. For when countries are in conflict, then we find the serviceman's part, Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start. If we cannot him honor 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 lead line in the paper that might say:Our Country Is In Mourning, For A Sailor Died Today. |
