Martin “Marty” Boyce

LEGACY

Young Johnny moved into our street and as far as we could see
He was just like every other kid, was just like you and me
But mum and dad said treat him well this was their one decree
See Johnny he was different, Johnny was a legatee

We knew his dad was not around, but not where he could be
We thought he may have run away, gone on a drinking spree
We didn’t know that he had died ensuring we were free
That this was how young Johnny came to be a legatee

He never picked him up from school or bandaged up his knee
Or cheered him at a footy game as proud as dads can be
See Johnny’s dad had paid the price to make our great land free
And will never see a smiling Johnny happy as can be

He made me jealous every year which I know was wrong of me
He got to go to summer camp, and each year it was free
My dad could see it bothered me so sat me on his knee
And told me of the work they do, the folks from legacy

Now son when blokes are killed in war they leave a family
And just like Johnny’s dad had died it could have well been me
Then I would not be here for you to sit you on my knee
These blokes who died for all of us they left a legacy

They look after kids like Johnny; yes they take them to the sea
But you also must remember Johnny has no dad like me
So don’t be jealous of him cos it’s just his mum and he
His father paid the final price to make sure we are free

Author’s Note: I wrote during Legacy Week last year as my way of putting into words, what the Legacy Organization is and what they do.

Legacy Australia