The Sailor’s Visit

The sailor’s visit

Alone, she stares into the fire
a shawl around her shoulder
the days seem oh so very long
nights darker and much colder.

Why did he go away to sea?
Why become a sailor?
He could have taken any trade
a blacksmith, or a tailor.

S’pose he wants to see the world
and his country for to fight
in tears she blows the candle out
and goes to bed each night…

But, this night she was woken with a start
she heard the latch undo
she heard the creaking of the stairs
and called out, “who are you?”

He put a finger to her lips
“Hush my love, ’tis me.”
He held her tight as she sobbed with joy
it had been so long you see

He gently lay her on the bed
and kissed away her tears
between them not a word was said
as he loved away her fears.

She soundly slept upon his chest
after the loving had been so sweet
But when she awoke her love was gone
she ran into the street

Straight into two fine gentlemen
naval uniform they did wear
they led her back inside the house
and sat her in a chair

“’tis sorry we are, the news is bad.”
Her hand went to her throat
“Your husband’s ship did sink he…
never made it to a boat.”

“But that can’t be, it can’t,” she cried
“He was here last night, with me!”
“That’s impossible,” the officer said
“He’s been dead two weeks, nearly three.”

And now she visits his shimmering grave,
throwing petals upon the water
No longer alone, she sees his eyes
as she looks down by her side, at their daughter.