Another Face Is Missing

[Terry]

ANOTHER FACE IS MISSING

The year had passed so swiftly as we gathered here once more,
but there’s a face now missing that was always here before.
And you can feel the sadness that another friend has gone,
to join up with the swelling ranks,.. of mates who have passed on.

Aged faces show the ravages that time has wrought on them;
brows furrowed by the march of time that nothing can now stem.
And scalps on some are peeping through their grey and thinning hair,
but spirits are still willing and there’s courage here to spare.

We wander through the little group with handshakes all around
and welcome smiles there greet you although spirits maybe down.
Each man has known the friendship that we’ve shared throughout the years
and there's a strengthening of bonds as strong men fight back tears.

The talk is more subdued this year; the voices soft and low
and sense of loss hangs heavy as the heartfelt tributes flow.
We raise our glasses for a mate and sadness spikes again
and there’s a hint of misting in the eyes of most these men.

The sombre mood then starts to lift to how things were before,
with talk about the good times that are sure to come once more.
All sense it’s time to now move on and leave the past behind,
but for a time the memories are never far from mind.

******

©T.E. Piggott 2012

[Heather]

Getting old is no fun. We need to make every day count.

Heather

[Terry]

You're right Heather,
And always remember, there's no age limit needed to qualify.

What's that saying, 'live every day like it might be your last'?

Terry

[Heather]

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away!

[Terry]

Mind you it stops rather suddenly with your last one.

[Heather]

You are such an optimist!

[Irene]

Beautiful piece of work as always Terry!!
Tried to return your call the other day - but didn't get you.
Will try again during the week.

Catchya
IRene

[Terry]

Thanks Irene,
Hope to catch you during the week,
if not see you on Friday.

Terry

[Maureen K Clifford]

Always the saddest part of Anzac Day IMO is seeing how many of the old soldiers aren't there this year. MIA as it were

Great write Terry, well crafted

Cheers

Maureen

[Neville Briggs]

That's it Terry. Live every day as if it is your last...because one day it will be.

Ah well Terry, your face is still there.