Why Does It Toll Poem by Dean Bottomley

I heard the church bell tolling softly
Its dull quiet sound echoing round the village.
We all knew why it bounced its mournful sound
Around the homes and fields we love so much

Yet another has left this earthly realm
To wander freely in a far more beautiful place.
There would be no more pain or grief
No more to be alone day and night.

Was that bell scolding our thoughtlessness?
Were we being reminded of all we had not done?
The things unsaid that should have been spoken:
The too late now visit we should have made?

Was the tower sobbing with grief for one lost?
Calling the village to mourn for one we knew well?
Our heads bowed we had watched her pass
Then followed into the sacred hall.

The sound echoed from above again
It scolded us not, nor bid us mourn.
It shouted hello to one arriving home.
The chime joining a million cries of welcome!