Stornoway

Light of heart, and with dancing eyes, I gripped my Johnny’s strong right arm And faced a swelling sunlit sea As we sailed out from Stornoway. Farewell to maples, loons, and John. My yellowed wedding gown lies curled Beside my beau beneath the sod Sixty-five years from Stornoway. Across the gray Atlantic sea, A locket held my heart’s two loves: His gold ring and a heather sprig, As I sailed home to Stornoway. With watery eyes and baggy cheeks Gently caressed by cooling wind, I walked the gangway, cane in hand, And left my ship in Stornoway. On rocky bluffs, hard by the sea Where rest my Dad, wee Joe, and Mum, An ancient stranger I am now Returned at last to Stornoway. Just one more prayer, sweet Lord, to Thee: Bless me, please, with some swelling seas And heather scents on fine spring days At rest, at last, in Stornoway.