Charles Flesfader

Old Man Navy

Parade ground, Cerberus, one dismal, foggy morn,
Weather-beaten face, beneath a battered old hat
This man was “Navy; ” to the sea, surely born,
With swaggering gait, he left no doubt of that.

Three rows o’ ribbons up on his chest,
Telling that he’d been there, to hell and back,
Hammering Hitler, Mussolini, and Tojo’s best
Even giving “Charlie” a serve too, this old Jack.

He was “Old Man Navy” mate, done the time.
Hard as nails, yet a father to us, funny sort o’ mix.
First put to sea in “Perth, ” dark days o’ thirty nine.
Saw him in the “Bat, ”years ...