Passing Into Legend
CRAIG BRATBY

You came along in times or hardship and sorrow,
Mum and Dad gave you what they could.
Sometimes you'd have to beg, steal and borrow,
Knuckle down to get ahead was understood.

Saved a kid before you reached your teens,
A sign of your bravery indeed.
Try to describe how much that means,
Your reward would absorb it when you bleed.

Farewelled your Dad like a man in waiting,
The burdens are now being passed onto you.
Signed the papers and your teeth were grating,
Draw a deep breath and help to get them through.

Learnt to build and you leant to use a saw,
The time inside at least provided new found skill.
But the traps wouldn't hold back the claw,
Hounding you to react, then you learnt to kill.

Watched your Ma taken from her kin,
You'd be dead before she was free.
Friends and neighbours locked away in the tin,
To compensate the force's lack of gallantry.

You fought to get your message through,
Hardened by the back-hand of the law.
But we know that justice was never coming for you,
I guess it's time to even up the score.

When we're backed into a corner we submit or retaliate
Wanted nothing 'cept to get on with a peaceful life,
But the weight of injustice finally sealed your fate.
And with it the opportunity to make a wife.

How'd a hanky and candle bring you down?
When trust and fairness built your reputation.
As the special train steamed into town,
Worthless now - the traps are at the station.

Came out fighting with armour and determination,
Standing for the rights of your family and mates,
That's an ounce of what represents this nation,
We count this as a measure of our traits.

Blame seemed to be so easily achieved,
And as predicted Barry's delight was fleeting.
Though it's never comforted those who grieved,
The passing into legend takes some beating.

Your struggle we'll continue to share,
Thoughts and memories are never too far.
Oh, how I wish that I could have been there,
No doubt you're a part of what we are.