Ah miss thee, Sarah. MemoriesPass t'time away, but dunnot ease
This pain, an' on rheumatic knees
Ah pray. Rest peaceful.
Them awk'ard words like "Ah love thee,"
Ah couldn't speyk – Ah'd sooner dee,
Ah weren't that sooart o' chap – but see
Ah'm glad a wed thee.
"Ah love thee," Ah con say it – theer!
But t'pity is as tha wain't hear,
It's easy sittin' in this cheer.
Ah wish Ah'd towd thee.
T'slop – stone's piled wi' dirty plates,
It's months sin Ah black–leaded t'grate,
No donkey-stone on t'step, owd mate,
Ah've lost aw int'rest.
Ah used come whoam wi' bloodshot eyes
From suppin' ale, Ah'd tell thee lies
'Bout wheer Ah'd bin, then push thi pies
Up t'table. Tha'd look hurt,
But still tha didn't nag me lass
Nor moan Ah kept thee short o'brass.
Ah wouldn't raise another glass
If it'd bring thee back.
If tha could warm me bed, owd hen,
An' let me stroke thi hair agen,
An' kiss thi pain away – but then
What's use o' wishing'?
Ah stares at t'fire, Ah'm aw red-eyed
But not from ale – from tears that's dried,
Ah've skriked. Ah've ne'er moved outside.
Wish Ah could join thee.
A favour Sarah, if tha con,
It's non deserved, but grant just one,
If t'Good Lord sends for me up yon,
Wait up for me.