Old Ruby

She battled on did not go quickly one might say she just faded away
Old Ruby she was ninety seven on her final birthday in May
And right up to her end she was lucid she knew that the reaper was near
And she was brave and she died smiling though we miss her so the old dear.

Old Ruby once told me her story of the hard life she was one who knew
Her husband he died in his twenties in the winter of thirty two
She was on her own with three young children a boy of six and twin girls of five
She had to work hard to make ends meet and for her offsprings herself did deprive.

Old Ruby was always so happy despite her long life of poverty
And wisdom came to her the hard way and few were as knowing as she
'Tis sad to think that she's gone forever that her I never more will see
At the corner cafe on sunday enjoying her cake and coffee.

She really looked like an old goddess dark brown eyes and silver gray hair
And Ruby missed by all who knew her for people like her are so rare
She never was moody or surly so charming in her own sweet way
And she was one of those lovable people who made a new friend every day.

Old Ruby has gone to the reaper but her we shall never forget
Despite the hard times she had been through she never had any regret
On sundays at the corner cafe I never will see her again
But fond memories of that marvellous woman until death with me will remain.