She Never Gave Up
Passing through the wrought iron gate
To the graveside of his beloved late,
His hat removed, he knelt down
On one knee beside her on the ground
Placing flowers on the grave of his mate.
Some how he felt she was not dead
But only rested there instead.
He called her name, and spoke to her
As if she heard, as if she were
Understanding whatever he said.
He said, “I miss you, Martha dear”.
While his hand wiped away a tear
He told her that he missed her much,
Talked about their kids and such
“Oh, I wish you could be here”.
“I don’t know what to say to you
With the war and all we’re going through.
Like all wars that have ever been,
The undertakers always win.
And the loss is more than a few.”
“I guess now you’re not so alone.
With James, Ann, and Jacob gone.
Things may not look so bad to me
If I only knew your thoughts you see.
How I wish you were here at home.”
Then, he heard a church bell chime
Reminding him of an earlier time
When Martha’s wishes on his ear fell
“Take our children, and raise them well”
As the ringing of the bell was her sign.
So he slowly arose to walk away
Then stopped, and turned to her to say
"You never give up. Do you, dear?"
Then grinned and wiped another tear.
He’d heard her speak from the grave.
“Saddle the horses, my carriage bring.
Can you not hear the church bells ring?
Did you think I’d forgotten it‘s Sunday?”
The family heard him shout and say.
And the church bells continued to sing.
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