Stories and poems from Craigie High School, Dundee

Mabel

I remember my mum staying with me when my husband died. She held me in her arms as I cried and gently smoothed my hair to comfort me. I had missed him with my whole heart, he had been the father of my two children – Kenneth and Elizabeth who have been my life ever since I can remember. I grew lonely through time, and my doctor moved me to the care home I live in now. I have friends and I still have my children, one of whom now has a family of her own. Elizabeth comes to visit me once a week with my grandchildren – they are just young toddlers with a comical personality, and I love them so much. In my spare time, I can remember those I loved; my mother, my husband and my brother. My brother passed only two months ago. He was a brilliant brother and we were very close, however I couldn’t attend his funeral. I wish I could have, but I was much too old as I am now. Considering my age, my memories are faint, although I couldn’t ever forget the cheerful, good woman who cared for me throughout my life. She named me Mabel, she encouraged my shop assistant career and gave me a life of happiness.

A Song for Mabel

I remember her staying with me

When my husband died.

She gently smoothed my hair

And held me as I cried.

She was my parent, my best friend

I loved her to no end,

And now, she lives in my memory.

My husband was the father of my son and my daughter,

Both now have their own lives.

Elizabeth has a family,

Two children, young and funny,

They visit almost every week and I smile.