APRIL ROSE

She was born in a small town--
The type where everyone knows
Everything and everyone.  Strawberry
Blonde, big blue eyes, her name is April Rose.

She had a normal childhood--was
Loved by one and all.  Polite
And well-mannered, she would
Help anyway she could--her smile bright.

Some might say with that
Background, she was very naïve,
But she listened and observed--
And knew more than folks believed.

She did well in school and
Was soon college bound.
News of her achievements
Were spread through the town.

She started having health
Problems, and went to see
The Dr.  He ran tests and told her
The results and what would be.

She had a rare type of cancer--
It had no definite treatment and
No known cure.  She went home to tell
Her family, and have someone hold her hand.

She grew steadily weaker, her smile
Wan, but still bright.  Visitors came
To see her--and she would comfort them.
She didn't want anyone to be sad, she proclaimed.

Then came the night she died
Peacefully in her sleep.  They
Buried her with her Bible--
She'd read it for comfort every day.

She was laid to rest in the family
Plot.  The marker they chose
Was simple--it simply said:  "Here
Lies an angel, her name was April Rose."