By "J.O.B.," an English soldier, circa WWI, dated 1917 A recovered love poem, with Poet's Notes by Beverly Stock Originally published on ClassicalPoets.org on July 23, 2019. It can be found here.
That you have made my world a wondrous garden
Fair with your lips, and glad with your eyes of blue
That you have wakened life’s song of gladness
Believe it true, dear, believe it true.
That I have found within that wondrous garden
All passing hours made beautiful and true
That my heart’s prayer is, God may bless you forever
Believe it true, I love, love but you.
The sun is shining somewhere beyond the night I know
The birds are singing somewhere and life with love aglow
There’s hope and gladness waiting beyond this time of care
For you and me. the golden sun is shining, love somewhere.
JOB
August 1917
Poet’s Notes:
Recovery:
My friend found this poem recently in a “English Bonne Heure Du Jour” antique desk, hand-written on the underside of a drawer. The desk has been passed down through three generations of her family. Appraisers estimate the desk could be original from the age of the Bronte Sisters.
The Message like many others, written in stolen, war-time moments, emphasizes that the need to stay connected to the homes and the loved ones left behind was paramount. I’m certain soldiers often found clever ways to impart information. However, this powerful and lovely message, so intensely and covertly delivered, inspires my imagination!