The Letter Edged in Black

I was waiting when the postman came this morning
I saw him take a letter from his pack
With a smile, he gave to me a friendly greeting
And he handed me a letter edged in black

Then with trembling hand I took this letter from him
I opened it and this is what it said
"Come home my boy, your poor old father wants you
Come home, my boy, your dear old mother's dead"

Those angry words, I wish I'd never spoke them
You know I didn't mean them, don't you, Jack?
Oh, may the angels bear with this, I'm asking
Your forgiveness in this letter edged in black

The last words your mother ever uttered
Was, "Tell my boy I want him to come back"
Now my eyes are blurred, my poor old heart is breaking
While I'm writing you this letter edged in black

Yes, the postman whistled as he came this morning
He smiled and took this letter from his pack
For he little knew the sorrow that he brought me
When he handed me this letter edged in black