I have found it really difficult to choose the poems from Auntie Babs’ notebooks.  There are so many more I could  have included but felt that my time would be better spent getting all of them into print somehow, somewhere.  I am closing this blog with her poem written on 25th November 1918, sixteen days after the First World War officially came to an end.  It is entitled “THE RETURN”. The poem describes the passing of time from the spring and summer of 1918 through to November when at last it was all over, and those fortunate to have survived returned to their loved ones. I wanted to finish on an optimistic note and think that this is the right time to print this last poem.  It is November and we are wearing our poppies.  We will remember them.

Thanks to all the people who have taken the time to read the poems and those who have contacted me and encouraged me to pursue this venture.

THE RETURN

Hollyhocks are blooming in our garden
Hollyhocks and lilies tall and fair
Roses red and white and sweet carnations
Shed their fragrance on the golden air!

In a tree a thrush is gaily singing
Tender songs to his wee downy dear
But to me the place is sad and lonely
For alas my dear one is not here.

All the flowers are faded in our garden
No bird sings and skies are overcast
But to me the whole world sings in glory
For my love, my love is home at last.

Beatrice Helen Poole
November 25th 1918.