Among the trees for me

 

Trees were so important in this young boys life

It was a place where I could escape from strife

Where else to go to unwind from a day at school

Watching for birds or wading in a rivers pool

There would squirrels watching from the trees

Who were nibbling nuts, see me and away does flee

Or a wise old owl would stare down at me below

Then flap his wings and with his eyes all aglow

He was more confident than squirrel who was scared

Whereas the owl eyes on me just stared and stared

How easy it was to relax amidst all the green

And hearing the ripple of the nearby stream

I'd forgotten the lessons I'd had that day

For was now content in midst of trees was okay

Dusk was coming so I started off for home

There's nothing quite like being in woods to roam

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The girl that looked my way

Even as boy I remember rivers

Brother and I leaned over a bridge

Throwing sticks in the flowing water

Just for the fun and just for the feel of it

Taking off our shoes and socks wading

On the uneven bed of the stream

With a stony bottom and waving reeds

Then drying off before we'd meet Mum

Limbs becoming stiff with the cold

Silent and wondering why we did it

Then having to run over the crosswalk

In time to catch the next bus home

Such was our routine on holiday

Escaping home, and school and boredom

Before resuming the class monotony

Reading books that were boring

But admiring the girl that looked my way

Hoping one day to have dated her

Or at least signed her autograph book

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Io at the Star of Greece - (Chapter 6)

After our morning swim we drove further down the coast stopping at the Star of Greece restaurant overlooking the sea. I thought taking Io my star of Greece was appropriate. It was fairly expensive but Io was worth it. I enjoyed the meal and the view but everytime I asked about the purpose of her trip she evaded me. As I was driving I limited myself to just one drink but Io imbibed freely and became quite bubbly herself. 

I asked her who the real star of Greece was. She stared back at me saying "Why me of course!"

"So the constellation of Taurus is named after you then?" I enquired.

"Fancy them them naming that stupid lump of rock after me" she slurred, waving both her hands  getting agitated, trying to pour some wine from an empty bottle, nearly falling off her chair. The waitress came up and asked if we'd like another bottle, so I shook my head.

Io looked surprised "I haven't finished drinking yet" with a grin on her face leaning over me looking like she would pass out. So I paid the bill and held on to her as we left the restaurant hoping she didn't collapse as we headed to the car.

Grinning at me she said "I could drink with the best of them".

"Dionysus?" I ventured.

"Could be, I don't remember" she said stupidly.

Back at the car as I buckled the seat belt round her, Io started humming some tune I couldn't place; an arcadian air I suspect and by the time I was back on the main road she was sleeping peacefully, albeit with her mouth open.

I got her safely back home and carried her inside and put her to bed with a handy bucket by her side. Dreaming or awake she waved her finger at me saying "It was Poseidon....he can drink like a fish", laughing noisily then falling fast asleep.

Either I had been conned by the most devious bitch imaginable or she was a beautiful Greek goddess who really needed my help.

Then I heard her whisper "I'm not a devious bitch Robin, a devious goddess, yes, but not a bitch."

362 words

Dance with me

 

I must confess I wasn't good 

When dancing with my beau

Two left feet they did say I had

And I had no real way to go

So I was avoided like the plague

Luckily I did meet this girl

We'd go to the flicks or opera

And once to a weekly dance

At town called Farnborough

She found I had a fault or two

Disapppointed to say the least

I could tell it from her face

Oh please let me lead she said

I bowed my head in disgrace

But at least I steer my car

It wasn't long before we were wed

And lived such fulfilling lives

We went to dances a few times

In big halls or other dives

Where she could dance with other men

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When I was a young boy

 

When I was young boy, the river was my playground

I took my boots and socks off, carrying jam jar in hand

I tried to catch some little fish. Took two home to show Ma

Smiling told me to keep them, In my room to look after

 As they didn't die she smiled, Said "Take them back home

to pond in the woods". So I crossed the wire fence 

The birds there chirped away, I let them go to swim away,

Knowing it was best for them. I'll never forget those fish

I am all grown up now, Shuffling about in my old age

I'm not famous for anything, wanting for nothing

A flower in my buttonhole, Living happy and free

...like the fish.

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Io goes for a swim (Chapter 5)

I suggested to Io that we go for swim down the beach as it was sunny. Where I chose was not popular but well away from surf lifeavers and big crowds. We settled under the rock wall facing the sea which was calm and the weather sunny. I stripped off my tee shirt and wearing shorts went to test the water. I turned as I heard Io run up behind me so turned to find her naked. I looked in horror then rushed back to grab a towel to cover her. Naiad or not I told her everyone must wear something on this beach. I explained there was a beach for nudists a few miles south so we should go there. She shrugged her beautiful shoulders, so we returned to the car.

We drove down to Maslin beach which was the closest one that permits unclothed adults but it took an hour to get there. She seemed quite pleased as I think she enjoyed riding in my car down to the beach. I then parked in the carpark leading to the clothed beach so we walked along up to the nudist beach passing the warning sign for all to see. It was deserted today so as I set up our belongings, Io immediately stripped off and ran down to the water. I also shed my clothes and followed her down. She was in her element swmming far out then coming back telling what she had seen under the water as she played with the crabs and nodded to the dolphins swimming happily about. She finally emerged wearing a garland of seaweed round her neck holding a sea shell saying " Listen to what I heard down there".

I offered her a towel but she shook her head happy to dance on the sand drying herself in the sun. Eventually she slowed down and accompanied me back to our belongings under the cliff face. We both had a drink of bottled water and I suggested we go to a cafe nearby to have a spot to eat. Io nodded her head enthusiastically.

351words

 

 Photo of Maslin Beach, South Australia

A kiss in the park

I shouldn't really tell you this

But relationships are best if you kiss

I walked home from school each day 

With this sweet girl whose name was Kay

I bet you think I kissed her lips then

Oh by the way my name is Ken

I found that I could always steal a kiss

When I decided on an artifice

Took her to the town's park at first

To satisfy our romantic thirst

Okay, we were tardy getting home

Just told her Ma round shops we did roam

We did stay friends for a few years

But chose new partners without tears

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Boys love water

                                                                         

All boys love water except when they need a bath

Well that was me as a young lad whose idea was fun

Whether it was rain or shine to find adventure

By going to the river that ran through the town

Remove my shoes and sock to wade in the water

Tiptoeing through the grass to hear the water surge

As cold as ice it was spilling over the weir

Singing a sea shanty wishing I had a boat

To sail away swaying on the seas rising tide

Watching the gulls crying to others overhead

Sat on a rock with a towel over my head

All day I could play but I had to watch the time

But I wasn't really there but staying at home

As I woke from dreaming it was raining outside

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Io arrives in Australia (Chapter 4)

                                 

Io and my plane was landing early morning in Adelaide; breakfasting to ensure the crew could  prepare for the next leg of the flight ensuring the most discomfort for passengers. Once landed we skipped the duty free shop, trundled though customs with my case and Io’s handbag! Hoping the x-ray scanner wouldn’t find anything.

I was questioned whether I had visited any farmers and played with infected animals merely telling them I’d visited Greece to see ancient temples and so on. Not unexpectedly Io had already got to the arrival hall before me. She stood smiling as though she had come to meet me.

I wheeled my case to the taxi rank welcomed by the dry warmth of Adelaide as Io looked all around one of the closest airports to a city in the world. It was so early the taxis were queued up ready for our flight. Instead of sitting by the driver which was normal, I sat with Io in the back. She stared at the city and buildings as we were driven off. The driver was Indian so I asked how the cricket was going. He he told me about the test matches with Australia had been won by India with a grin on his face.

Io poked me in the ribs now and then but kept quiet until we got to my house. She inspected  every room to see what was there. I put the air conditioner on and took my case to my bedroom only to find Io was laid out on the bed.

“Is this where we sleep?” She asked.

“No” I said “I have fish pond you can use. You’ll be more comfortable there won’t you being a Naiad?”

Jumping off the bed she hugged me saying “I love the way you make me laugh”.

She pulled me down on the bed and kissed me and we made love melting into each other. Then we both had a short sleep. When I woke there was a cup of coffee by the bed. I got up to find Io was hanging some washing on the line.                                        

352 words

Love hurts

Love really hurts doesn't it?

When she says it's best to make a break

While you thought there might be wedding cake

Wondering whether she's found another beau

Meaning that is time for me to quit

Was I too fast or too slow?

Why didn't she say what was wrong?

For just now she seems headstrong

Wonder if she met another

But she's quite clear she wants me to go

So I have to start afresh

I'll take a break and settle down

But my Ma could tell from my frown

Gave me hug saying "There will be more"

I shook my head, my life was in a mess

But she was right after all

A few weeks later met another lass

Whose bewitching eyes in class

Made my heart go pitter pat

And now each day I walk her home from school

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The entrance gate

 

I always wanted to live in the country where the wild things are and being able rove around without the crowds but with the fresh smell of nature and the sky is clear and the constant sound of traffic is far, far away. I wanted to able to sit on the porch and watch a flash of lightning brighten up the night sky as the homeward flying swifts rush straight back to their nests to feed their chicks one last time before the dark of night moving stealthily takes control. Then all is calm until the night dwellers appear silently like the owls hooting their presence and the bats swoop high and low trying to catch the remaining insects which were trying to find a safe haven for the night. As I step back indoors leaving my boots at the door my wife is busy in the kitchen preparing our evening meal, smiling sweetly at me saying “Just a few more minutes and it will be ready”. So I go to the bathroom in order to clean up and just then the phone rings and my wife takes it chatting away still as I return . “Who was that?”  I asked. “It was Jenny wanting to come and visit this weekend”.  “Oh that’s okay. It’s about time we saw the grandchildren again. I’ll make sure the chained entrance gate is clear for when she comes.”

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I wonder if she thinks of me

If history had its eyes on me I sadly disappointed it

I did it my way, I didn't join the pack

Apart from playing sport like tennis, cricket and soccer

And running around keeping fit it dawned on me 

That there were many girls around

That needed escorting home from school

And should be escorted to the movies

On Friday night with a box of chocolates

Most would be quite pleased rewarding me 

With a goodnight kiss as I walked her home

To her place wher her mother smiled

But then her dad looked at me darkly

Hoping that I had behaved myself

Later I was allowed to sit down with them

Being happier I could be observed there

And allowed a goodnight kiss when I left

Later we both got working jobs

We worked miles apart

And so we parted

So many years later

I still think of her

I wonder if she thinks of me?

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