My little rooms are lonesome now,
And in my heart there’s grief somehow,
My friends have gone so far away,
I won’t see them for many a day.

I’m happy and contented here,
With those I love and hold most dear,
The sun shines bright, the sky is blue,
The flowers glow with morning dew.

The birds sing early in the day,
“Arise with cheer”, they seem to say,
And go rejoicing, happy, glad,
And banish thoughts that make you sad.

So if my friends could stay near me,
A happier soul you dear would see,
I’d have my heart’s desire complete,
And met my trials without defeat.

New friends are fine, we all agree,
But old ones mean the most to me,
I want to be close by their side,
Where peace and joy and love abide.

Katherine Carey-Place 1878-1934
May 6, 1929

Copyright Roy Richard