"Still Waiting"

This was written about three weeks after Curtis passed away in 2004. Notice the * and ** that refer back to previous poems or posts.

Still Waiting

I have a wounded heart since Curtis Wayne is gone
But oh, the peace and joy to know that he's still living on

He went to be with Jesus with all his family there

We sang and told him how we loved him, and also had a prayer

*Our life together has been so sweet since he came home from war

*Our children were a blessing as God gave us, not one, or two, but four

Our dreams did unfold as 58 years passed along

The families You gave them made a happy new song

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for fulfilling our dream

I'll see him in heaven, for love was our theme

Good-bye my dear husband, your pains are all gone

And joy fills your heart and it won't be too long

And now I am waiting to be there with you

Dear Jesus, You're my husband and days won't be blue

For I know that You love me and will care for me too

Your promises sustain me when I read Your book

When my heart wants to break, within it I'll look

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for loving me so much

You died for our sins and gave us Your touch

I'll bless You and praise You the rest of my life

I'll serve with Your church because it is Your "wife"

I pray that You'll use the message I've shared

**Because, Jesus, at Your coming I want to "Be Prepared"!!

Gertrude Murphree

3-10-04

* -- "Waiting"

** -- "Be Prepared"
To read my first blog post about my life, click HERE.

My Valentine - 1943

In 1943, Curtis was in WWII stationed in Santa Ana, California. I received this Valentine from him before he went off to war in Italy.

He had given me his portrait before he left, that was autographed, "Love Forever, Curtis Wayne".

For two more years all I had of him was his picture, his cards and letters, and promise of a love for a lifetime. I penciled this poem on a scrap of paper. I'm not sure if I ever sent it to him, but it's how I felt as I looked at this picture.

Love Forever

It's love forever that's written there,

It's love forever in your eyes, in your smile, everywhere

And I know that it's true

For it's written by you

In your eyes, in your smile that I love.

It says love forever

And I know it was never

Meant to die

For it's there in face, in smile, in eye

It's not only a picture, 

It's you.

To look at you means memories,

Those hours together, just two care-frees.

It was oh so much fun

Just to hold you, sweet one

In my arms and to kiss your sweet lips.

It says love forever.

Did you mean it could never

Leave our hearts?

For my dear if you do

It sure means I love you

And it's true, darling you

Just you.

by Gertrude Short

1943

Copy of penciled poem

Our love did turn out to be true. We had 59 years of sweet marriage before Curtis went to be with the Lord. I still love him so. Happy Valentine's Day!

Next entry: "Clueless"

To read about our how we met, click here.

Read about our early marriage here.

"A Rainy Fourth" - A Poem - by Gertrude Short - 1942

A Rainy Fourth

A Poem, By Gertrude Short

Another holiday has been ruined by rain once more;

A picnic lunch and a party had been planned for four.

But the clouds are still gathering and the rain still falls,

And the thunder is roaring loudly and lightning coming in fiery balls.

Faint in the distance I hear a train roaring down the track,

And the sound of a car engine grinding away -- wheels mud-packed.

The traveling is very bad;

But to think this thought I'm glad:

That our boys are not tramping in the rain

Fighting and dying for victory in vain.

One hundred and sixty-six years ago today

Our forefathers were down on their knees to pray.

That day a very sacred document was signed

Which ended a fear that cannot be defined.

Today the people of Europe hold that same fear,

But we're safe in a home with our loved ones so dear.

Let's not think of this day as spoiled by the rain,

But sing out our thanks in a joyous refrain!

This poem was published in my hometown newspaper, the Friona Star, in 1942.

Next entry: "Undelivered Letters" click here

World War II - "Waiting"

When the United States entered WWII, Curtis' draft number was one of the first drawn. I wrote this poem to him before he left.

Waiting

Before you leave dear, I want you to know

That I'll be with you wherever you go.

I'll watch by the window and pray every night

That God will be with you as you go to flight.

I'll pray that he'll keep you safe from all harm

And bring you back quickly to stay in my arms.

Go out my dear loved one, be brave in your strife

To help bring the victory for peace, love and life.

We've dreams for the future that must not be broken,

But until you return our love is the token.

There'll be nights of waiting and watching in vain

For a word that you're safe will be a joyous refrain.

So darling remember while you're far away

I'm with you at heart and I pray every day.

Our dreams will unfold as the days pass along.

We'll be happy together and make a new song.

That home that we've planned, and the kids, one or two,

Will all come to pass and we'll never be blue.

We'll have a fireplace with flames burning bright

To help spread our happiness far out in the night.

These are the dreams you'll be fighting for right here.

Good luck, and God bless you, I love you my dear---

Gertrude Short

10/26/43

To read accounts of my early marriage click HERE and HERE.

Link to a follow-up poem, "Still Waiting" - click HERE