...til the day I die

“I’ll love you til the day I die.”
His final words under the apple tree 
as he took his leave...
Heading to the big city to make music.

For years, he’d promised her a home, a family,
a house, a farm and his eternal love.
But first, he needed to make money.

As they stood touching hands in the orchard,
She knew that  he might not return.
He'd  fall victim to ambition -
 fame and rewards  leading him astray.

The first month he was away,
he called her every Sunday,
Usually hungover and tired,
he told her of his plans
and that he'd be back for the 4th of July.
And he always said,
“I’ll love you til the day I die.”

As the months passed,
his calls dwindled, and
when July came,
he was on tour with his band.
He did call to say,
“I’ll love you til the day I die.”

September came with him on the road.
He couldn’t visit in October and
Missed her birthday but
He  called to repeat his promises and
to say,
“I’ll love you til the day I die.”

Thanksgiving came and went but
he didn’t show up.

At Christmas, he was in Boston and
He couldn't get home in time.

He blew off New Year’s Eve.
He forgot to call and say,
“I’ll love you til the day I die.” 

There was no call on Valentine’s Day.
No call for months after that.

In May, Henry Cavalry asked her to step out.
Henry was an earnest farmer with a big spread.
Reliable and  respected.
She said yes and they had fun.
He never said  he’d love her til the day he died.

They married on Christmas Day.


One summer day, the musician called 
to tell  of his tour bus accident.
He’d broken an arm and both legs 
and was coming back.
He asked her to marry him 
and make him a home.


She sighed and took a deep breath.
Then she told him of her marriage 
and the child coming soon.
She was sorry but she couldn’t be with him.

He wept for a minute and then whispered,
“That’s ok. I’ll love you til the day I die.”

He ended the call.
He reached under his pillow with his one good arm,
pulled out a shiny  pistol and...

a single shot rang out.

©Ellen Pepper 2026