Black Is

Well, it filled her old heart full of joy

But she didn't know 'til she read the inside

It was the last one from her darling boy



"Dear Mom," was the way that it started

"I miss you so much," it went on

"And Mom, I didn't know that I loved you so

But I'll prove it when this war is won"



"I'm writing this down in a trench, Mom

So don't scold if it isn't so neat

For you know as you did when I was a kid

And would come home with mud on my feet"



"Well, the captain just gave us our orders

And Mom, we will carry them through

I'll finish this letter the first chance I get

But for now I'll just say I love you"



Then the mother's old hands began to tremble

As she fought against tears in her eyes

For they came unashamed, there was no name

And she knew that her darlin' had died



That night as she knelt down by her bedside

She prayed, "Lord above, hear my plea

Protect all the sons who are fighting tonight

And dear God, keep America free"