Returning From War

The lantern sits burning bright on the table by the window The old farm house shows signs of life and need of repair There! A shadow of the owner passes by the broken screen You can make out that the person is older, alone with despair The house, not in the best of condition, seems in disarray As shutters are falling off hinges, screens have big holes But, yet, there is something welcoming, almost beautiful As the lady, reaches and turns out the lantern for the night She stayed here for many years even after the war of the states Some say she is the ghost of a war bride waiting for her love But, I, standing here looking up, after all these many years away Know she is alive and has kept a light burning for my safe return She, yes, she is the hero of this story, the perpetuator of love For it is harder to keep love after time, years long separated She did it and now I come back upon finally remembering That this is my home, she held my heart and kept it for me