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You grew up in Salle, and knew nothing but poor Thankful for food scraps whilst sheltered from war I grew up in Melbourne with the world at my feet Surrounded by toys, with ample to eat

You packed your belongings, said goodbye to your wife And boarded a boat, to seek a new life I flourished at home and was encouraged to stay And when the time came, moved a suburb away

You didn’t speak English and were branded a FOB Your hands overworked to maintain a job I converse with ease and received little hurt My hands have barely seen a hard days work

You grew your own produce and endlessly weeded And threw nothing out if one day it was needed I couldn’t tell you one plant from the other And if something breaks, I’d just buy another

Nonno, our lives could not be more different I owe all I have to your selfless commitment You put family first and never your dreams You’ve shown what real strengths and sacrifice means

You fought your whole life to provide us the best You fought your whole life now it’s your turn to rest

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May 3rd 2020