I was sitting alone in my parlor when
Someone took to the knocker and I opened my door
He wore the smile of a long lost friend
Though perhaps I’d only glimpsed him twice before

He did not offer to take my hand
Though I must admit I am happier for that
He only stepped across the threshold and
With polite respect removed his beaver hat

He walked upstairs so graceful and slow
To where my Gran lay on her old cedar bed
Ran fingers through her hair of snow
And sat there beside her and not a word said

She did not seem to see him there
And if she felt his presence I’ll never be sure
For she had long been beyond my care
With all of the pain that she had to endure

So perhaps it was all for the best
When he lifted her up and softly said adieu
Embracing her there unto his chest
He left with no sound save of wood against shoe

It was quiet weather the following day
So I carefully buried her body deep in the earth
For that man had carried my Gran away
And I could only return what’d been leant on her birth

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