I fear I let my feelings rule my head,
that you would have no trouble getting leave.
You would be home by Christmas as they said.
All through the Autumn, sleeping cold in bed,
I dreamt of all our marriage would achieve.
I fear I let my feelings rule my head.
Not since the day that both of us were wed
had we missed carols, sung that holy eve.
You would be home by Christmas as they said.
Yet, as the letters came, all proudly read,
your tales of valour soon made me believe.
I fear I let my feelings rule my head.
Friends home on leave said you had taken lead-
only wounded, it hardly tore your sleeve.
You would be home by Christmas as they said.
The truth was that my husband, dear, was dead-
His body boxed and sent back, I could grieve.
I fear I let my feelings rule my head,
you would be home by Christmas as they said.
© Ian Whiteley
