Composed by William H. Smith,
In memory of his loving wife, Jane, who died January 11th, 1936
Hodge’s Cove, Feb. 5, 1936
Our home is draped in mourning, our hearts are sad to-day.
For the one we loved so dearly, from us has passed away.
The blow to us was sudden, for little did we fear,
The day before we parted, her end it was so near.
It’s hard to lose our loved one, more precious than the gold,
So hard to follow her to church, and hear the death bell toll.
So hard to see her lowered, in her grave so lone and dark,
More harder for to speak the words, on earth, forever part.
Her end was calm and peaceful, as she closed her eyes in death,
It was a Saviour’s blessing, and we may ne’er forget,
And now her soul is resting, in Paradise so fair,
Waiting for us to meet her, there will be no parting there.
The hours to dear I once enjoyed, still linger in my heart,
The days are turned to sadness, my home so sad and dark.
But may the loving Saviour, who doeth all that’s right,
Bind up the broken-hearted, and make our sorrow bright.
May God in His great mercy, prepare us one and all,
And not to be found wanting, when on us He doth call.
For all will be joy and gladness, no sorrow and no pain.
And what a peace and comfort, when we all shall meet again.
Two hours before we parted, her dearest head did not raise,
And asked me to get Florence, and sing our Saviour’s praise.
“My God, my Father, while I stray,” the hymn she asked to sing,
She was smiling as we sang it, but her loving eyes were dim.
Four daughters dear are left to mourn, but one so far from home,
She said, Oh dearest Margaret, if you could have but known.
Two sons also are left behind, with me to share their grief.
And when we pass the vale of death, we all shall find relief.
Her friends that lived around her, she never did annoy,
And often times together, they shared each other’s joy.
In peace and quietness they dwelt, and since she’s passed away,
They’re grieving for their comrade, who could no longer stay.
As she lay in her coffin, taking her last long rest,
Her dearest badge of Honour, was pinned upon her breast.
In memory of her good work, for her Association done,
Also her Church and Saviour, since the day she hath begun.
So now with sorrow I will close, and wipe away a tear,
And sympathize with those who lose, a friend that is so dear.
And I will lay my pen aside, and to my comrades say,
That when you lose your loving wife, you’ll see your saddest day.
Sleep on in peace, oh dearest mother, though thy loss we still deplore,
Fleeting time will re-unite us, Thou art only gone before.
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Transcribed by Wanda Garrett, February 2021
These transcriptions may contain human errors. As always, confirm these as you would any other source material.