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A Tribute [poem regarding Donald Cameron, 9 January 1886]

8 June 2022 · Leave a Comment

[Editor: This poem, written in honour of Donald Cameron, was published in The Ballarat Star (Ballarat, Vic.), 9 January 1886. See also: “Obituary for Donald Cameron”.]

A Tribute.

In memory of Donald Cameron, late signalman, Victorian Railways, Ballarat, who departed his life 21st November, 1885.

The signal is given, the spirit has gone
To the station where saints do abide;
He wore on his heart the badge of sweet love,
And Jesus he took for his guide.

He has gone to his long, last home to rest,
There with the angels to dwell;
He has gone to obey the call of his God —
His God whom he loved so well.

He left us in sorrow — he left us in grief;
Our hearts filled with pain when he died;
But he’s gone to sing praises to God, whom he loved,
With Jesus to sit by his side.

His time it was come — his end it was peace;
He left all his dear friends behind,
To mourn the sad loss of one whom they loved,
So faithful, so good, and so kind.

S. F.
Williamstown.



Source:
The Ballarat Star (Ballarat, Vic.), 9 January 1886, p. 2 (of the Supplement to The Ballarat Star)

Editor’s notes:
Whilst many obituaries use the phrase “who departed this life”, other obituaries in the past (regarding deceased males) used the phrase “who departed his life” (i.e. using “his”, not “this”).

[Editor: Changed “Bal rat, who departed” to “Ballarat, who departed”.]

Filed Under: poetry Tagged With: 500x500, obituary poetry, poem, railwaymen, SourceTrove, year1886

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