STAY AT HOME TONIGHT MY DARLING
By Lucy Scharrer

 Copyright 1998 by T. Scharrer stories@gatorsden.org

My Grandmother probably wrote this poem in 1943 or 1944. It describes the loneliness of women whose children have grown up, left home and started their own families. Her loneliness concerns her husband would rather be out with his friends at a local tavern than be home with her.  

Many a night I sit alone dear
Listening only to the tick of the clock.
Waiting till your steps draw near
And your key to turn the lock.

Don't go out tonight my darling
I am lonely when you're gone.
Do not leave me here to ponder
I am lonely your gone.

Don't go out tonight my darling
Though your friends will urge you on.
Let them go their way without
I miss you when you're gone.

Tho the wine cup may be tempting
And your friends are full of glee.
I will do my best to cheer thee
Darling won't you stay with me?

There's no babies feet to toddle
As there were in years gone by.
Not a little one to cuddle
O'er to sing a lullaby.

All the boys to men have grown
And have families of their own.
That is why I am so lonely
For they like a bird have flown.

And the girls no more are babies
They too have gone away.
So you see the nights are lonely
Dearest when you've gone away.

Slumber time is surly broken
Wondering where you are tonight.
Stay at home tonight my darling
Then I'll know that you're all right.