Nellie Gray Holland 1885-1899

Nellie Gray Holland 1885 – 1899 I was never aware of the clock ticking Or the spring spreading of the rose bud in my mother’s green garden. I never saw the moonrise on a gray October night, Or tasted the tart fruit of first love. I never heard the cry of my baby Or felt the warm heartbeat of a husband next to mine. For birthdays and holidays I lit the candles, A dozen scented red candles, And watched the ghostly shadows flicker on the walls Of my mother’s special sitting room. Shadows that danced and swayed and galloped. Shadows that understood me And listened to me. They knew of my weak diseased heart And of my impending early exit from Earth. Clark Cemetery is beautiful in the fall. The owls in the trees screech loudly And the western winds make a music only I can hear. My friend, will you kindly light a candle for me? I am in the dark here And I wish to see the dancing shadows again.