Ashes.
She was used to seeing ashes.
Fireplaces in every room of the big house where she worked.
Lowly maid, cleaning grates, when she was younger.
Much younger.
Then she met him, in line at the pictures,
His face a picture as he offered her a cigarette.
Knowing from that first moment.
Together Forever.
Ashes.
Happy cleaning her own fireplace.
House proud. Proud of her life.
Their own place. Home.
Where they raised their family.
Happy. Together Forever.
Ashes.
She washed the ashes from her devastated son's face,
As they climbed over the rubble of their home -
Bombed, burnt to the ground - Blitzed.
Knowing that as long as her family where at her side and
He was fine on his far off duty,
They would build their home again.
Happy. Apart for Now, but Together Forever.
Ashes.
She laughed along with her family
As the ashes from Chinese lanterns landed gently around them.
Fireworks shone in some exotic celebration.
Singapore where she followed him on his last posting and
She learnt about style, silk and sophistication.
Happy. Together Forever.
Ashes.
She'd often brush the ash from his hair each morning
As he returned from late nights at the Foundry.
Back in Blighty, saving hard
To put the children through good schools and colleges.
Happy. Together Forever.
Ashes.
She cleaned the ash trays
Filled to the brim after part-time work in the pub to pay for holidays and family presents and treats.
Or those used at home in evenings with friends.
A time full of music and dance
And Gin and Tonic and John Players and
Benson and Hedges and Martini.
Happy. Together Forever.
Ashes.
She was use to ashes,
But not like these.
She stared into the Urn.
Cough turned to blood which turned him ashen.
Cancer.
Cigarette ashes to ashes.
Dust to Dust.
Knowing one day, she'll be with his again.
Happy. Together Forever.
Together Forever.
Together.
Forever.
Forever.
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