The Understanding

[thestoryteller]

THE UNDERSTANDING

The secret of your resting place
lay hid for many years,
yet now the secret is revealed
to me it has brought tears.

From Melbourne town you did set out
in eighteen ninety eight
and tramped your way through New South Wales
up to the Queensland State.

A country girl then took your heart,
and she became your wife;
you raised your fam’ly through tough times
though got on with your life.

She bore you four dear sons back then
young children you’d adore
but then your wife gave you the news
a daughter was in store.

But tragedy would mar that joy,
as ill health plagued her life.
Then in that year she passed away
and you lost your dear wife.

With five sweet souls to feed and house,
the eldest only eight ,
it was a rather daunting task,
the burden far too great.

The years were tough and work was scarce
and though you surely tried
the hurt just lingered in your heart,
your grief proved hard to hide.

Some think that drink will kill the pain
and numb that hurt some way,
but finally in nineteen twelve
you took your life one day.

Tormented minds do not give thought
to loved ones there at hand.
You left them orphaned and confused,
they did not understand.

Those little souls though did survive
and it is now well known
your sons and daughter struggled on
and made lives of their own.

This history was lost to them
as no one knew I fear
and memories of who you were
they too would disappear.

And as to where you lay at rest
that secret it was yours
until they dug poor Creevy’s grave
and that unlocked some doors.

The digging would reveal to all
just where you lay at rest,
as there upon a casket lid
your name it did divest.

Grandad those times did not allow
the life you may have planned
and missed the years we might have shared
but now I understand.

The identity of my father’s grandfather and his resting place was unknown to him until one day the secret was literally unearthed in Charleville. The following poem shares my father’s thoughts at the time.

© Merv Webster

From the book A Muster of Verse and Yarns.

[Maureen K Clifford]

It's all amazing what joy is experienced when a piece of our hidden history is unearthed. I guess we all have a subconscious need and desire to know our roots.

[thestoryteller]

Hi Maureen.

I 've enjoyed researching a number of my family lines and recorded the history in various publications.

An awful lot of genes in the mix.

It's been a pleasure to be able to share it with so many family members.

Greatgrandfather Alfred Webster's history before he turned up in Charleville in 1898 is a bit of a mystery as he said he came from South Melbourne and his parents were Alfred and Emma nee Morton but after years of searching, not a sign of them.

Just like his coffin he may turn up in the records one day.

Thanks for sharing.


Merv.