Orphaned and elderly and yet a child,
For so I am when thoughts of you return,
Return and batter me and I'm not mild
But close to tears and scarred for these tears burn.
You tamed me when most wild.

You comforted my nightmares, came and sat
Beside my bed when sleep was far away.
You were a healing presence. More than that,
You were a joy, a treasure, could display
High spirits when the flat

Dull mood took charge of me. You always were
Busy and quick and swift to suffer too,
But only now and then did I know fear
When I could see a troubled look on you.
Tonight you feel so dear...

My faith speaks of another life and I
Find your nature a right proof of that.
A child, I'd have you crowned up in the sky,
And growing old I see your star well set.
O your death will not die.
                                                                               Elizabeth Jennings