To Jafo

I haven't known you as long as some
but twelve months we shared a home,
through that time I got to know you
down through skin and to the bone

Like a pesky big brother you'd giggle
as you'd play tricks and laugh all day,
that we didn't always see eye to eye
is all that I have no regrets to say

I know the demons that lived inside
couldn't fade your soul burning white,
that's not to say you weren't naughty
you'd come home in the deep of night

You love your family and friends
of that we all haven't a doubt,
but at times you'd find the road
going on the longest walkabout

A drink and smoke in hand
a smile and a G'day mate,
is how he treats everybody
before they can hit the gate

Sometimes quietude would find you
and we didn't know where you'd go,
whatever tormented your mind
you never bothered anyone I know

With a heart as big as Phar lap
you'd help strangers on the street,
bringing home humans and animals
I have to say I thought "how sweet"

Roaming this big red land of ours
is how you liked to live/subsist,
until you came home to our family
and made you stay, we did insist

But the desire to wander around
caught your heart a step everyday,
now your seven hours away from us
we will get to you and find a way.

So hold on a little longer brother
lil sis and bro are coming soon,
but I warn you when we get there
our tears just may fill the room.