The children laughed at the old man

As he tottered down the track.

They were not to know

He would never more come back.

For the old man had gone looking

For his youth, long time forgotten.

As a fog of memories plagued him

From a miss spent youth he'd lived.

T'was here he'd hunted rabbit

With his slingshot and a stone.

And here had flowed the creek

That he'd sometimes called his home.

Here Davis had caught a yabby

And seen a platypus what's more.

He wandered further downward

Till he reached the sandy shore.

Where was Mary?His childhood sweetheart.

As still their love was strong.

But the beach and pier were empty

And her laugh had also gone.

The water glistened silver

The gulls sang overhead

The grey hair blowing softly

When they found him lying dead.

For he had gone into the sunlight

To the sound of girlish laughter

A smile upon his lips

As he went to where she led.

*In memory of Grandpa*