and bells they toll

lonely path across the marshland

leads to a forlorn grey lodge

grey like the misery

empty

abandoned

for the lone dweller is now gone

ailment and poverty was her lot

only guest ever the nightly frost that crept inside

brief were the moments of bliss and gladness

for on this hoar peatland no joy will live

and bells they toll

in cold morning light

once there was a fleeting time

when sky was less dark for a while

and the one that she adored

walked her across the churchyard

flowers bloomed and bells they tolled

hopeful was the spring's tone

but on this barren marshland

no gladness will ever last

here the nightly frost will creep inside the hearts

here the brittle flowers will die before their time

and soon came the day

when bells they tolled again

for her dearest one

beneath the stones now lies

under the churchyard sleeps