“I’m taking pen in hand this night, and hard it is for me;

My poor old fingers tremble so, my hand is stiff and slow,

And even with my glasses on I’m troubled sore to see …

You’d little know your mother, boy; you’d little, little know.

You mind how brisk and bright I was, how straight and trim and smart;

’Tis weariful I am the now, and bent and frail and grey.

I’m waiting at the road’s end, lad; and all that’s in my heart,

Is just to see my boy again before I’m called away.”

“Oh well I mind the sorry day you crossed the gurly sea;

’Twas like the heart was torn from me, a waeful wife was I.

You said that you’d be home again in two years, maybe three;

But nigh a score of years have gone, and still the years go by.

I know it’s cruel hard for you, you’ve bairnies of your own;

I know the siller’s hard to win, and folks have used you ill:

But oh, think of your mother, lad, that’s waiting by her lone!

And even if you canna come—JUST WRITE AND SAY YOU WILL.”

“Aye, even though there’s little hope, just promise that you’ll try.

It’s weary, weary waiting, lad; just say you’ll come next year.

I’m thinking there will be no ’next’; I’m thinking soon I’ll lie

With all the ones I’ve laid away … but oh, the hope will cheer!

You know you’re all that’s left to me, and we are seas apart;

But if you’ll only SAY you’ll come, then will I hope and pray.

I’m waiting by the grave-side, lad; and all that’s in my heart

Is just to see my boy again before I’m called away.”