Story From The Great War - Ruby Crane - A Soldiers Friend Poem by Paul Warren

Ruby Crane was aged just three years
Who didn't understand the world and its tears
Her father was the head gardener
At St Dunstans in Sussex a soldier's rehabilitation centre

Some days she went to work with her father
Wandering around the grounds held no fear for her
She would hold the hands of blinded soldiers tight
And would speak kindly as a child might

She would guide them to where they wanted to go
And it was compassion that she would show
The Great War meant these men were shattered
Searching for a life that still mattered

The story of her kindness was well known
And people wanted to reward her for her kindness shown
As a way ahead for these blinded men
So people sent her toys and dolls in the end

She passed away in 2011 in her nineties
Remembering how her hand in theirs felt so small and tiny
And how they were so happy speaking with her
Away from their days in treatment they had in store.

© Paul Warren Poetry