THE GHOST OF A MAN

There's a ghost of a man who walks the road, near an old homestead I know
I hear his voice a calling as he stops and puts down his load.
Then he leans across the gate there and I hear him so loud and clear, as he calls through the rain swept gardens, in a voice that's full of tear.

"Emma did you wait for me, I know it's been a long fight"
"Too many men have died there and the flames were burning bright"
"Oh Emma can you hear me, I know I'm long overdue and I've walked for many a mile now, trying to get back to you"

I can see the wings on his shoulders and the medals on his chest.
His face is filled with hope and pain, as he steps into the rain.
He turns and walks back down the road and stops at the old graveyard.
I hear his voice across the wind, and it sound so bleak and hard

I want to place my hand on his shoulder and try to understand his pain
But he doesn't see or sense me and if he could I would try to explain.
My mothers' tombstone rests there and had for half my life
Inscribed it says quite simply, Emma loving mother and wife

He will be here the same time tomorrow, he's never failed to appear
From the moment I first saw him, I knew he would always be near
He stands for one moment of silence, then continues on down the lane
As he fades into the distance I can still hear that ghostly refrain

"Emma did you wait for, I know it's been a long fight"
"Too many men have died there and the flames were burning bright"
"Oh Emma, can you hear me, I know I'm long overdue and I've walked for many a mile now, trying to get back to you"