The Tear Copyright © 2008 Barry Gardner

She sat there lovely and serene
A sweeter sight I’d never seen
Looking down, head to one side
On the tiny baby just arrived

And as she smiled, eyes slightly glazed
’Twas clear she really was amazed
She’d yearned so many years for this
On his head she laid a tender kiss
Her happiness shone, bright as the sun
As she gave thanks for the little one
’Twas then I noticed pure and clear
upon her cheek appeared a tear

This was I thought a sign of joy
As she gazed upon the baby boy
But as one was followed by another
I pondered on this new grandmother
For just as joy brings tears of gladness
Grief can bring us tears of sadness
I watched perplexed and wondered whether
In this case they flowed together

Then, staring enchanted at the pair
I thought of one who wasn’t there
The centre of this lady’s life
Who asked her hand to be his wife
Then gave her children, built a home
A haven of their very own
The one who gave her years of love
Now lives in the house of God above

She’s missed him to this very day
The hurt will never fade away
And at special times that he can’t share
The sorrow seems so hard to bear
Now Robbie’s here too late to see
That lovely man that used to be
So I understand which made me glad
The lady was both happy and sad

But then as sad gave way to happy
‘Oh dear –
I think he’s wet his nappy!’