Ruby Crane a Soldiers Friend

A story from the Great War…. Ruby Crane was aged just three years Who didn’t understand the world and its tears Her father was the head gardener At St Dunstans in Sussex a soldier’s rehabilitation centre Some days she went to work with her father Wandering around the grounds held no fear for her She would hold the hands of blinded soldiers tight And would speak kindly as a child might She would guide them to where they wanted to go And it was compassion that she would show The Great War meant these men were shattered Searching for a life that still mattered The story of her kindness was well known And people wanted to reward her for her kindness shown As a way ahead for these blinded men So people sent her toys and dolls in the end She passed away in 2011 in her nineties Remembering how her hand in theirs felt so small and tiny And how they were so happy speaking with her Away from their days in treatment they had in store. © Paul Warren Poetry