Analysis of Losing His Wheels

Losing My Wheels
Ernest William Johnson - at 93, asked his son if he was coming home for Christmas.  He used an expression to convey how his body was beginning to fail, he said "the wheels are falling off Son".  Well my friend, Alan Johnson told me the tale and this poem is the result!

Are you coming home for Christmas Son?
Are you flying back to Auz?
The time is going by so fast
I thought I'd ask because,
I'd really like to see you,
I'm not down or in a trough,
It's just that, well I have to say,
My wheels are falling off.

I've had a darn good run my Son,
I made it through the War,
Stood up for king and country
And the family I adore.
There are those who might considering
Such values turn and scoff,
But I hope to see you soon because,
My wheels are falling off.

The carriage is getting shaky Son,
It rattles and it groans,
It takes more time to start it up
I feel it in my bones.
When you're home we'll raise a glass
Not down it with a quaff,
I pace myself these days because
My wheels are falling off!

You might soon have to take my place
In the Anzac Day Parade
And wear my salad on the right,
To show a price was paid,
And when you meet the other few
Your cap you'll smartly doff
And tell them briefly 'bout you Pa
Whose wheels have fallen off.