This Poem was Submitted By: marilyn terwilleger On Date: 2002-08-08 22:29:51 . . . Click Here To Mail this Poem to a Friend!

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Ruth and Will

Fierce wind drove the freezing rain it skittered and scattered across the roof. With vengeance pelted the window pane, robbing the calm like a clever sleuth. Ruth rocked her baby, smoothed her hair, kissed her flushed and feverish cheek. Her heart was full of fear and despair her baby whimpered, wee body weak. Down the hall and to the right lie Will be fret by consumption. He heard the storm in the tortured night it punished earth with no compunction. Ruth cradled her child, holding tight, her tiny frame heaved for air. Ruth knew one would die tonight. She caressed the child's skin so fair. Ruth spoke in a whisper to her God. If You must take one from me spare my child with soul unmarred. I vow I shall ever walk with Thee. The child sighed as the ague waned, opened her eyes, smiled at her mother. None of the consuming sickness remained. Ruth thanked God knowing He would take the other. Down the hall and to the right Will took a dull and final breath. Daggers of rain ebbed losing its might as Will was smothered by the angel of death.

Copyright © August 2002 marilyn terwilleger

Additional Notes:
Ruth was my grandmother who told me this story when I was a child. Will was my grandfather who I never knew. The child was my mother. The year was circa 1904.


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