ADA JACKSON

"Expectations" by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema

WIDOW - MOTHER

Soldier boy, Soldier boy,
Gallantly you go -
Head erect and shoulders squared,
marching heel to toe.

The tale repeats itself, my dear.
I stood there, smiling so,
To watch your father marching -
five and twenty years ago.

And I am proud again. Again
a tear comes, full and slow.
Can a heart be broken twice?
Presently, I'll know.