The Letter Edged in Black

I was waiting when the postman came this morning
I saw him take a letter from his pack
When 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.»
Instrumental
Those angry words I wish I’d never spoke them
You know I didn’t mean them, don’t you, Jack
or may the angels bear with it, 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.