Nellie Darling

I was strolling thru a woodland

One summer afternoon

The birds were sweetly singing

Bright flowers were in bloom.

The daisy, crocus, violet

And bluebells that mean “true”

Brought sweet but sad remembrance

My Nellie dear, of you.

But with all this splendor ‘round me

My heart more lonely grew

And all my thoughts and fancies

Took wings and flew to you.

Nellie, my precious Nellie

May I return to you?

Many times I’ve sought forgiveness

In the prayers I breathe each night

Each time return the cruel thought

“I did not treat her right.”

But my love for you is stronger

Than the sun that melts the dew

Nellie My Darling Sweetheart

I’ll return this day to you.

Written by Ida May Schaffer

Winter of 1921

Age of 16