The following Poem was written by my Grandfather, Bertram Lawson Read (aka Bert) for my Grandmother Dorothea Lucy Read (aka Dot). My grandparents were married in December 1941. They had been married for 2 short days when my Grandfather, who was in the Army, was transferred to Darwin, in the Northern Territory of Australia. During his time away he wrote this wonderful Poem. I hope you can see and feel the love within each word as we do.

Often at night as on my camp bed I lie, My thoughts wander back, to when you & I Dreamed lovers dreams by the blue Western sea Or strolled arm in arm as day merged to eve. I recall the day when we first met, dear. The memory will live through each passing year. There was nothing romantic we were just well paired. Then came that night when we found we cared. Remember that night, how the stars shone so clear As I drew you closer and held you, dear. Your face was lit by the moons tender glow, As I kissed you, you whispered, "I love you so". It was late that night ere we said "Adieu" (How I hated the thought of leaving you.) I can see you quite clearly as you stood in the door, You don't seem to have changed from the girl I adore. There were many nights since, how quickly they sped, Then came the eve of the day we were wed, The joy of holding you, as side by side we lay, Was dimmed by the thought of how short was my stay. We sang so gay as we marched along And our hearts were fired by our Victory song. Until by the station I saw you waiting. Then my heart knew pain at our final parting. You smiled through your tears as you said. "Goodbye." And it wasn't just dust that dimmed my eye. Through the days that followed as we travelled on, My thoughts kept returning to days that were gone. In the blue of distant mountains, by the shore of a wind swept sea, Where-ever I may wander my thoughts are always with thee. Though in heart you're sad and lonely and weary seems each day, Be true and wait my darling, for I'll return to stay. Bertram Lawson Read Copyright 1941/2100

For anyone that reads this I ask that you don't take it or change it in any way do not claim any of it in part or full as your own. This was written for a special Lady and it should not be changed by anyone..