For Absent Friends

[Verse 1]

Sunday at six when they close both the gates

A widowed pair, still sitting there

Wonder if they're late for church

And it's cold, so they fasten their coats

And cross the grass, they're always last

[Chorus]

Passing by the padlocked swings

The roundabout still turning

Ahead they see a small girl

On her way home with a pram

[Verse 2]

Inside the archway the priest greets them

With a courteous nod, he's close to God

Looking back at days of four

Instead of two, years seem so few (Four instead of two)

Heads bent in prayer for friends not there

[Chorus]

Leaving two pence on the plate

They hurry down the path and through the gate (Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah)

And wait to board the bus

That ambles down the street