On Their Own

The way West was difficult and filled with hardship. Due to accidents, illness, weather, and overwork taking their toll on both mothers and fathers, it wasn't uncommon for young children to find themselves left alone on the trail. Other travelers would almost always provide food and take them in for a time, but there was frequently little to share; and little brothers and sisters would often find themselves travelling on their own, comforting and caring for each other the best that they could.
"Hardship was expected,And as hazards connected,Both parents sometimes suffered and passed.And left on their own,So early alone,The little children forced to grow up so fast."