William H.A. Willbond MSM, CD

THE PICTURES OF MY YOUTH

My memory grows dim as through the long years
The young men in my pictures slowly disappear
Mickey died of cancer the Greek is long dead
The Rod’s up in heaven, or so the Padre said

I’m getting older, my knees and ankles are shot
An old paratrooper’s injury aches as often as not
Soon I’ll be with them the young men of my youth
Again, barrack room language, raw and uncouth

Some men who were willing to die when so young
Survived to old age when their work was all done
Drawing the Army pension, clawed back so they say
Their lives spent in Service, ‘twas not for the pay!

Lavalee and Smylski and my buddy P.J. Hoare
Gave all to their Country, no one could give more!
I will see you up there on the parade square in the sky
the day soon will come when this old soldier will die!

Billy Willbond: Aged 17 (1958)
Billy Willbond: Aged 27 (1968)
Billy Willbond: Aged 23 (1964)

Billy Willbond: Aged 37 (1978)
Billy Willbond: Aged 61 (2002)
Billy Willbond: Date & Age Unknown