He had made the journey
across the Swiss mountains.
The war was far behind him
now just Catherine lay ahead.
As he reached the hospital ward
the nurse shook her head.
What of the baby?
he asked quietly,
her sad eyes looked down.

Catherine lay pale and weak
on the hospital bed.
Somehow she managed
a smile at his arrival.
Oh darling,
I am going to die.
Don’t let me die.
Hold me in your arms!
Hold me tight.
Don’t let me go.

When you hold me
we cannot be parted
If you stay with me
I shall not be afraid.
As she left him the bells tolled.
Declaring the Armistice
The war had ended for some.

He carried her in his arms
to the window.
The crowds below
had released hundreds
of white doves into the air.
to celebrate the end
of the great war.
They fluttered high above.
As if to carry her
soul to heaven,

He kissed her still lips
For one last goodbye.
And whispered peace,
peace at last my darling.