CAMEO
A lovely ivory cameo set on dark red velvet
Was close by her bed the first time we met.
Old and worn was she, with eyes still very bright,
She saw me look at the cameo, her face alight,
“That was me, carved for me on my wedding day,
Given to me by my husband before he went away.”
“Look!” her long finger pointed to a photograph
Hanging on the wall, oh, ow those eyes did laugh.
A soldier in full dress uniform, beauty by his side,
Their great love for each other they could not hide.
I held the cameo and the tears streamed quite free,
She was still in love that was so very plain to see.
“Two years we shared together” she said with a sigh
“Then he had to go away and fight and there to die.
I’m old now and long for my life’s journey to end
So I can be with my loved one and dear old friend.
I have our twin boys, who he never ever did see,
My cameo and that photograph, keep him close to me.
Every anniversary I make a meal and just quietly share
Those precious memories, with the cameo placed where
He used to sit and smile at me. He’s mine for eternity.”
Her eyes alive with joy, a moment of love shared with me.

(Millicent) Ann Margetson June 20, 2002