"After Fifty Years" by Gil Broxon, from Just Gone...Fishing – The Poetry of Texas.

© iuniverse, Inc, 2008. Reprinted with permission.

I walked among the Grave Markers,

Near my old home town,

And I saw a number of

Old friends.

John: Killed in world war two,

Buckey, Tooter,

And Teenie.

All were chilhood pals.

There was Ann's mother, And

Verna Karhryn's Mother and

father. Uncle Levi, Aunt Sally,

And Mr. Smith. I saw Uncle

Charlie - And so many others

That brought fleeting Memories

of other days.

Then I came to the plot, That Mama had bought for herself.

Suddenly the world was still,

Except for a bird

That was singing.

Once again I heard

Mama say to me,

"Son, when I die.

Take me home!"

I think that they were glad,

That I came and walked among

Their headstones,

And remembered

Each of them,

As they used to be.

I think that they were glad,

That I came all alone,

And did not disturb

The bird

That was singing.