On Hearing Of The Death Of Jimmy Ellis Poem by Francis Duggan

His death was of his own choosing in a place he loved so well
Near the pub he often frequented the famed Bayswater Hotel
Jimmy Ellis gone forever but the memories will remain
Of one who worked hard and drank hard will we see his likes again?

Men like Jim don't need a headstone they inspire the bards to rhyme
And his lifetime of adventure will not fade away in time
He'd worked all around eastern Australia he'd been there and he'd done that
From the warm tropics of Queensland to the Town of Ballarat

When on the booze he was a wild man those who knew him will recall
And he was often seen with black eyes his gift from the bar room brawl
Alcohol stirred him up too much some say it was his downfall
But we all have our human frailties we are human after all.

And those who best knew Jimmy Ellis will tell you of his other side
Of one who was a generous fellow and who always took great pride
In paying his way and helping others to many he was a mate
Men like him live on forever they don't have a 'use by date'

Do not weep for Jimmy Ellis though he was well worthy of tears
Life for him was getting harder and he was getting on in years
In the old pub in Bayswater where he drank pots by the score
He will always be remembered he will live forever more.