The Understanding

THE UNDERSTANDING [ The identity of my father's grandfather and his resting place was unknown to him until one day the secret was literally unearthed in Charleville . ] The secret of your resting place Lay hid for many years, Yet now the secret is revealed, To me it has brought tears. From Melbourne town you did set out In eighteen ninety-eight, And tramped your way through New South Wales, Up to the Queensland state. A country girl she took your heart You made that lass your wife, Then raised a fam'ly best you could, 'Til fate did touch your life. Yes four young sons she bore to you Young lads you'd both adore, Though in the year nineteen o six, A daughter was in store. But tragedy would mar your joy The birth too much that day. Her health had not been as it should, And life, then slipped away. A heavy load was thrown on you Those little souls to rear, Though seemingly it proved too much, Without your darling near. The years were tough and work was scarce, But try you really did. To make it worse grief lingered on, Your hurt could not be hid. Some think that drink will kill the pain Depression though takes hold. 'Til finally in nineteen twelve, You took your life so cold. Tormented minds do not give thought Of loved ones left behind. You left them orphaned and confused, Their lives left in a bind. The human soul though can survive No good to sit and moan. Your sons and daughter struggled on, Raised families of their own. This history was lost it seemed For many a long year, And memories of who you were, Had dried up too I fear. For where your soul was laid to rest That secret it was yours. 'Til digging poor old Creevy's grave, Unlocked the secret's doors. The digging would reveal to all Just where you fin'ly lay, A plaque upon the wooden lid, Your name there did display. Granddad those times did not allow The life you may have planned, I missed the years we might have shared, But now I understand.