BILL BEYOND LIFE’S BARRICADES

Sorting knickknacks of a Christian,
who’d break bread for the birds – a hardworking and good man, fairly gifted with the words.

Remembered as a soldier
eager to play his part.
I note, when he was older,
he loved dabbling in art.

I'd heard he once fought in Spain –
was once spurned by the church.
His smile denied any pain
from grudge's searing birch.

Respected by many names;
staunch he wore the lily –
but beyond these diverse claims,
he was Wasper Willie.