Yesterday's News.
Paper half-torn, and words dusty
with mud,
but she saw his name,
yesterday's old news
was not hoarded, Victorians
understood
it should be used
by maids,
in cleaning shoes or lighting fires.
She, kneeling could see
among "Missing - Feared Dead",
listed plainly
was he who said he would wed her
when free.
All housemaids knew their place,
yet now her shame
grew daily,
and with her Captain gone, would
come dismissal,
much harder time loomed ahead.
With no support
she would bear his son,
or daughter,
tell no-one, and live instead
a life of might-have-been, yet like
many before
she did not regret love.
War could not kill
memories or dreams and she
would endure
single motherhood,
and finding fulfillment,
pride in her child would demand
she work hard.
Servants abused thus pressed on
regardless.
Because of choices made a part of someone else still lives... Well spoken. Love is more powerful than war. And like Ramesh says: The dream is realized in many ways and many generations.
Surely determination based on love will realise the dream!
Compelling reading Fay. With the differences in class a woman probably hung on to the belief she was truly loved, yet economics defined otherwise. You bring your readers a look into times of yore, where feelings and emotions were strong and work had to be done. You, with your sensitivity and writing ability, would be the right person to pen a novel about the Victorian age. Don't forget to give me first read!
A moving short story in verse ! -Raj
This is compelling Fay, it reads like the first chapter of an enthralling, un-put-downable novel. I'll be looking out for 'Today's News' ;)
What a sad tale Fay....but such things happen I guess everywhere... a very well written piece.
war can kill but love will always heal the spirit......!