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

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
lifeless body 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 their wings
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