Farewell auld Sam

A graveside farewell.

Farewell Auld Sam

Farewell auld Sam, rest peaceful now
By gum thae's led a life
For it is time to go and renew
The friendship wi thi wife
When she were here thae called her
But when she died thae cried
Well now auld Sam her's calling thee
To come up to her side

Farewell auld Sam. Farewell auld lad
Be careful how thae goes
By gum thae'll look a ruddy sight
Wi' wings stuck out thi clothes
And I know that God is kind and will
Forgive thi for thi lies
And damn this wind that whistles round
Bringing tears into mi eyes

Yes farewell Sam, farewell auld friend
We're bound to meet I know
And now I have no fear of death
Knowing thae weren't first to go
Yes farewell Sam, we've seen good times
But now mi leave I'll take
Oh damn this wind that makes mi sniff
And makes mi shoulders shake

I'd like to say before I go
And Sam, I tell no lies
That now thae's left the sun has gone
From out of summer skies
I feel Sam thae can see me
And thae't smiling, aye I know
But it's this wind that's freezing me
That makes mi voice shake so

Reviews

[barleygirl]

Clear unique-sounding use of the vernacular, not overdone, so it doesn't detract from reading. I use a "country hick" vernacular sometimes that some people do not always "get" -- but reading your poem, I love the way it feels & sounds, even if the vernacular is unfamiliar to me. My favorite sentiments are those regarding how we can feel "drawn" to join those already on the other side. It's a more prevalent feeling that many will admit & you throw in those nuances nicely (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Bryan Sefton]

The soldier in the grave. Is my wife's father. He came home once to see her then went to Normandy. He was a welshman in the Black Watch. He was killed by a sniper from a church steeple.

[Gee]

I see, thank you

[Gee]

Flawless rhyme and cadence. How is Sam related to the fella on the headstone ??