Silver Spur's Secret

SILVER SPUR'S SECRET Those roaring days, oh Silver Spur, When mining brought your birth; Among the hills you came to life, Men flocked to seek your worth. From far and wide the fam'lies came, Yet sadly paid the toll, So many little souls you'd claim, Their gravesites with no hint of name, And scattered 'long a knoll. One solitary wrought iron frame Though stands out on the crest, An adult's grave, but all the same, No clue does it suggest. For many years we searched to find Great grand-ma's resting place, A gentle soul, so loving, kind, Whose words were always - " never mind ", Enwrapped with smiling face. Old Wollombi shared childhood days Until you said adieu, While Murrurundi heard you say To your young man - " I do ". You bore a fam'ly of thirteen Though two sweet girls you lost, With husband Michael you were seen To keep your children fed and clean, No matter what the cost. Australia's bush was your backyard Its gums and wattles too, While life in tents was kind of hard No complaint came from you. Then suddenly your Michael died You carried on alone, A Bush Nurse you would always ride, Kind midwife by a young mum's side, Your caring was well known. With fam'ly grown and spread like seed That carries in the breeze, Your weary soul then felt the need To rest, to be at ease. For years we knew not where you were Our search though did not cease, With many folk we did confer, Then learnt your secret Silver Spur, Dear Cath'rine rest in peace.