I'Ll Wait Forever

I’ll Wait Forever She stood with him on the veranda, Looking resplendent in her flowery dress, And he in his Confederate gray uniform Tears fall down her cheeks as he said, “My darling Catherine…I truly love you so “Yet I must go…go and fight the Yankees A dreadful yet formidable foe” She pulled him close to her for a long embrace Looking into his eyes, she gently caresses his face “My precious Stephen, I’ll wait for you “I’ll never stop loving or caring for you…never “No matter how long this war lasts—I’ll wait forever!” He returns in December for a two-week leave They attend parties, and go for an afternoon carriage ride He expresses that his love for her will never be denied Before he left for Georgia, he said, “Catherine…please wait for me As I continue to fight for Southern honor and glory” Each passing day, she sits with her face pressed to the bedroom window Her thoughts are of her Rebel soldier, whom she loves so Spring, 1865, Catherine falls ill with scarlet fever Getting weaker by the day, the end is near Lying in her bed, she sheds a tear In a voice so soft and clear, She’s heard to say, “My darling Stephen…I’ll wait forever!” --Allen Baswell © 05-30-2022