and put
to the test
with the hardships of life
in the old
wild west.
Her would be husband had lied
and his body
was cold
when he died from a fever
without owning
any gold.
So they put her
on stage
at the Redemption saloon
because she had a charming presence
and could whistle
a tune.
The madam from upstairs
needed to fill
another room
and the bride's name
was mentioned
which sealed her doom.
It was the summer of strangers
who knocked
on her door
and telling her
in the spring
they would come back for some more.
Now the winter was harsh
and she caught
a nasty chill
although it was the grip
of syphilis
that made her ill.
She asked for her sweet saviour
to forgive
the sin
of dying alone
without
any kin.
The one eyed undertaker
carefully measured
her tiny frame
as no one paid their respects
and no one
knew her name.
Then the undertaker
walked away
but never did learn
why they called her
the mail order bride
of no return.
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