My mother took me to visit a neighbour

On our street corner.

The lady was very quiet.

She offered Mummy tea and a glass of milk for me.

With a chocolate cookie!

 

Then she sat down at her beautiful piano

And played a song for Mum.

On top of the piano,

Beside the photos of her 'soldier boy',

I saw a paper covered with water spots.

 

As we walked home I said, 'Mummy,

Why did Mrs. Gould leave her son's letter

Out in the rain?'

'Oh, Honey,' she replied,

'Those weren't raindrops.'

 

I didn't understand for a moment.

And then, I nearly tripped on the curb.

'Not raindrops? Oh!'

'Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh!'

And Mummy took my hand.

Cynthia Buell Thomas May, 2020