Letter Edged in Black

(Roy Carter)



I was standing by my window yesterday morning

Without a thought of worry or of care

When I saw a postman coming up the pathway

With such a happy face and jolly air.



He rang the bell and he whistled as he waited

And then he said good morning to you Jack

But he little knew the sorrow that he brought me

As he handed me a letter edged in black.



With trembling hands I took that letter from him

I broke the seal and this is what it said

Come home my boy your dear old father wants you

Come home my boy your dear old mother's dead.



The last words your mother ever uttered

Were tell my boy I want him to come back

My eyes are blurred my poor old heart is breaking

While I'm writing you this letter edged in black.



I bowed my head in sorrow and in silence

The sunshine of my life it all had fled

Since the postman brought that letter yesterday morning

Come home my boy your dear old mother's dead.



Those angry words I wish I'd never spoken

You know I did not mean them don't you Jack

May the angels bear this message I am sending

Your forgiveness in this letter edged in black...