The Old Woman

The old woman

Looked over the gate

At the fair across

The road

From the outside she

Looked sad, lonely

As if no one cared

From the inside she

Was strong, proud and happy

She had struggled, raised

Many children

Was given the gift of

Grandchildren

All with a powerful

Belief in the

Lord Almighty

As she stood and watched the

Crowd opposite grew

The noise intensified

She could see the

Happy faces of children

And adults alike

Someone waved

She drew

Her handkerchief from

The strap of her petticoat

Waved it above her head

And broke into a smile

She turned and re-entered

The house still smiling

Ready to enjoy a moments peace

Before her family

Returned from beyond

The gate