A Farewell To Thee

She peers into the distance with tears falling from her eyes,
For, the ship that is departing, she waves her last goodbyes.
Soon over the horizon, the ship's form slowly fades away,
Not to be returning until after spring, the captain did say.

She walks home alone, a longing held in her heart,
Dreaming of their dreams, together a new start.
Before her love left dock, he gave her a small ring.
Told her that they would marry on his return after spring.

To her father's dismay, she was willing to be a sailor's wife.
He did not see this man fit to live, or have any part in her life.
A secret marriage was arranged, hidden until then,
Once the ship did depart, preparations would begin.

One night, her father told her boldly that she was to be joined,
She begged him not to sell her hand for love of purse, or coin.
Standing at the window searching in the night,
She sent a silent prayer to God, to hurry spring's flight.

The day of the wedding arrived; it came late in the spring,
She stared out the lonely window and twisted on her ring.
A message had arrived bearing the news she longed to hear,
She went to her room hidden from prying eyes and prying ears.

They found her cold and still body lying silent on the bed,
The maids came to dress her; crossed themselves and fled.
Her heart had ceased to beat, no longer willing to be around;
The letter told of a shipwreck, no survivors were to be found.

She lost her love and her life, when her father sold her hand,
The same day as a sailor arrived half drowned and back on land.
He was the only survivor left of a well seasoned captain and crew,
He had to return to his love and fought for every breath he drew.

He marched up to her home swearing to no longer hide his love,
The maids came down in tears, leading him to the room above.
There her silent body lay with the light shining on her face,
She appeared as if sleeping, for death there was no trace.

He bent down to kiss her hand and found the note held within,
He whispered, while in the waters, death would never have taken him.
He kissed her cold lips, there he died within her in his arms,
He could not live without her love, her beauty or her charms.

Love is said to be timeless, some poets say it lasts forever,
A woman who will love you true, her heart will leave you, never.