Stornoway
Light of heart, and with dancing eyes,
I gripped my Johnny’s strong right arm
And faced a swelling sunlit sea
As we sailed out from Stornoway.
Farewell to maples, loons, and John.
My yellowed wedding gown lies curled
Beside my beau beneath the sod
Sixty-five years from Stornoway.
Across the gray Atlantic sea,
A locket held my heart’s two loves:
His gold ring and a heather sprig,
As I sailed home to Stornoway.
With watery eyes and baggy cheeks
Gently caressed by cooling wind,
I walked the gangway, cane in hand,
And left my ship in Stornoway.
On rocky bluffs, hard by the sea
Where rest my Dad, wee Joe, and Mum,
An ancient stranger I am now
Returned at last to Stornoway.
Just one more prayer, sweet Lord, to Thee:
Bless me, please, with some swelling seas
And heather scents on fine spring days
At rest, at last, in Stornoway.
|