I left home when I was twenty

Just to see what I could find

With a promise made to Mother

To return at Christmas time



But when the new year turned to summer

I was running rough and wild

Haunted by my broken promise

And her tender, trusting smile



Sick at heart I started homeward

Still it took a year and more

Till I saw the garden flowers

Leading to my mother's door



Brother, sister standing silent

Turning as I call their names

On the ground, familiar shadows

Pointing to a new dug grave