Life Is All That Matters

Last year his wife passed away she was eighty one
Together they raised to adults their daughter and son
Who are grandparents his genes will live on
And his better days in the forever gone

Of his medals for bravery he has nothing to say
That he won as a young man in a war far away
Though actions speaks louder that words it is true
He does not claim the honour that should be his due

The hair on his balding head is silver grey
He is one i see often though not every day
Walking in the park always on his own
An ageing war hero to few he is known

A humble man in him so much to admire
He risked his life to save a wounded comrade under enemy gunfire
When he was in his twenties in his physical prime
And this is going back many decaades in time

From memory he wishes his name for to fade
Yet he was a true hero where heroes are made
He never attends any war street parade
That ends at the Town's war memorial where the last post is played

A humble octogenarian free of conceit and guile
I once asked him about his life he said with a smile
Heroes are made and honours are won
But life is all that matters when all is said and done.