For more than half a lifetime
Mostly ignored over the years
Dads old sheet music
Had been lost to my ears.

There it languished, paper slowly rotting
Forgotten, those lovely words and melodies
Piano music, difficult for me
I would stare at with – jealousy.

Dad, could just pick a piece
At random, and release its charm
The piano, almost danced
His baritone singing voice, sublime.

Oh, how we all loved those times –
Favourites were – “The Spaniard that Blighted my Life”
The battles between Abdul Abulbul Amir
And his enemy Ivan Skavinsky Skavar.

The Gypsy Rover came over the hill
Down to the valley so shady
He whistled and he sang
Till the greenwood rang.

Just the other day
I looked through some of his music
Found a ballad by Harold Samuel
“Learn to take your troubles lightly.”.

The music penned by Arthur Anderson
I thought it quite poignant
‘Son of mine, you’re grown up
and you are ready for the fight?
You’re eager, too, come own up,
Because you know that I am right
Son of mine, tomorrow
You are going to be free, –
And you will stand or fall,
For good and all,
By the advice you get from me.
Learn to take your troubles lightly
as you go on your way! –
Face them ever with a cheerful heart,
Bring fortune, what she may!

His son goes to France, in the Great War.

Mike