Jude's ending to a farewell to arms ...sorry Ernest

The war was far behind me
Across the mighty Alpine vistas.
Ahead lay Catherine my Catherine.

At the doorway of the old hospital.
The old nurse met me.
How is she I asked
Unspeaking
 she glanced at the floor.
And shook her head.
And the baby I questioned.
Again the gaze 
Of her eyes fell downwards.

When I reached her 
She was near the end.
She managed a slight smile.
Hold me my darling.
Just one more time
I shall not be afraid
If I am in your arms.

I lifted her and carried her 
To the window overlooking 
the the town square below
The church bells were tolling loudly.
Signalling the end of the terrible war.

I kissed her lifeless lips as she left me.
Below the crowd in the square
Released a flurry of doves
 a blessing of peace.

Fluttering higher
 into the pure  blue sky.
As if they were carrying
 her soul to heaven.

Kissing her lifeless lips
 for the last time
I whispered peace my love
Peace at last.