When I was young I saw many things
As boys do their eyes ever agog
When they played in the fields, woods and streams
For this old man it now fills my dreams
I drift to sleep in my lonely bed
Won't be long before I too am dead
Now my dreams are filled with my full past
Living through wars with identity cards
Hearing the drone of planes overhead
Going on bus for a penny each time
Never complaining about food I ate
Always swinging on our garden gate
When a teen, sports and girls filled my mind
'Til the right one crossed my path one day
Just started work and was free as a bird
Being with her best thing in the world
Greatest find after a few years search
Within a year we married in church
Now here I am and dreaming again
An old man now left all by himself
Seeing loving family such a prize
Sat in my armchair quite satisfied
Who could ever want more than this
Except from you my love; one last kiss
Image found at www.pixabay.com
I remember those days when I was 'young and foolish'
'Falling in love' with every pretty girl in school
Mother said 'Don't let them pull the wool over your eyes'
After she saw me brooding for 'I was such a fool'
'Needless to say' one lass named Enid that was so cute
We always sat studying in the school's library
We chatted a lot about art and of other things
Then one day our fingers touched, not accidentally!
'This was my moment in the sun' we became good friends
When school bell did ring I walked her to the bus stop
Thought she was 'spitting image' of a famous film star
We're so fickle as foolish me 'let the bubble pop'
Years later I saw her 'quite by chance' in city far off
Our eyes met, we both smiled but said not one word that day
Mind you I was married then with kids one, two and three
The past 'water under the bridge' is all I can say
Image found at www.pixabay.com
When I think of childhood I think of me
Seven years old wading in the cool stream
My socks and shoes under the willow tree
Playtime for boy in wartime...but was free
The bombers raided in dead of night
Dropping their loads indiscriminately
Didn't have shelter so hid under stairs
Or kitchen table sleeping, without cares
Thankfully in daytime bombers were few
Walked to school or caught bus if had fare
But when we were let out at half past three
We'd run down to the river happily
There we would play for hour under the bridge
Despite barefoot we'd all get soaking wet
But dried off on our long walk home for tea
I loved playing by that bridge happily
Image found at https://pixabay.com/photos/girls-boys-children-development-516341/
I wake up to the sirens drone
I was small but not alone
Sound was like a mournful scream
Blinds drawn so our lights are not seen
I am a small boy once again
See my mother's eyes in pain
Dad's in London fire watching
It is wartime no time to sing
We hear the planes up in the sky
Can't look out even if I try
Blackout curtains do make sure
If light seen warden will knock door
Under the table we huddle
Pillows, blankets and cuddle
Quietly I fall asleep
Wake up in bed heard not one peep
Mother must have put me to bed
Now it's morning I'm not dead
So must get up, off to school
Can't miss the bus that is the rule
The bus is late, I can see why
Buildings bombed Mum starts to cry
Hoping dad will soon come back
Working all night he'll hit the sack
Dad arrived when we got back home
Shrapnel gift from a dropped bomb
Showed it off at school next day
Kids crowd around at break for play
I liked watching planes overhead
Or listen to them when in bed
War's horrid I've seen it all
Still recall it while standing tall
Image found at https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00x543b
It was a grey autumn day that Maud Clements died in the nursing home accompanied by her few meagre possessions. There was a grubby torn Bible, a faded photo of her late husband and some chipped and cracked china dishes that had accompanied her from her last home. She had told her carers that they were special as they reminded her of Jack her late husband. Her family came after they had been told she had gone and saw what little of her life remained; they shook their heads and told the manager; "Just get rid of it is all just rubbish". The manager nodded politely and instructed the cleaner to dispose of everything as the family wanted nothing. Amanda Perry, the cleaner collected the few pieces of Maud's life and placed them in a cardboard carton and set off for the trash bins ready to dump the lot. As Amanda dropped the grubby, broken and torn items into the bin her eyes glimpsed one little dish of a courting couple, on the back of which Maud had stuck a label which read , "Just like Jack and me" so she slipped into her uniform pocket.
At the end of her shift she managed to get home about six at night and after having a quick meal sat down by the fire and took the dish out and examined it properly. "Good" she murmured to herself turning it over and reading on the back "Limoges pottery".
Word count 242
I saw you once again
My, how strange, I saw you standing there
At busy Victoria tube station
On London's Underground yesterday
You had got off the other platform
Didn't catch sight of me boarding here
They gave the all clear and we moved
You took the exit way unaware
How bizarre, you were my first true love
We had spent so much time together
Doubt you'd worry now or even care
I'd made my offer to you after school
A couple of dates; you played the field
Clear you didn't want ties at that time
Or thought I was a shallow man then
Wonder if she'd fancy an affair?
Nah! I'd only crash again
Image found at https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4214503
Where has my life gone?
I'm but a bathering old fool
Doddering about aimlessly
In my world alone
With my wrinkled face
Thinking back to days long gone
Balding skullcap, lines galore
Now just a disgrace
Wife died years ago
Sons and daughters just who knows where?
Look inscrutable to passers by
Why angry? "Dunno!"
Recall velvet days
Boy of fifteen far to go
On the prowl chasing skirts
Listened to their ways
Where has my life gone?
It has been lived that's for sure
Pity I can't have second go
This time really shone
Image found at https://reddit.com/r/transitiongoals/comments
The finches chatted in the trees
Then flew to ground to pick up feed
Then up again, wind swirling round
I glanced at them, reading my mail
Rarely sent this digital age
Makes oldies go off in a rage
Posties delivering less and less
Spam callers on home phones each day
Kitchen fridge piled with post-it notes
Filled with ready cooked frozen meals
Greasy home cooking rare sight now
No burnt knuckles or scalded brow
Why curb my needs to do it now
Wanting those old days back again
Don't spare me doing things myself
Just in case the power cuts off
Yes, Let's get water from a well
Get the night soil man call as well
Image found at www.https://pinterest.ca/pin/370421138073638359/?1p=true
Please forgive my dark humour here as oldies do tend to yearn for the past while they forget the disadvantages of the good old days when some necessities were quite primitive!
I awoke from my dream
I was but a boy again
When all my muscles did work
Hanging from a tree branch
Balancing before I moved
Then jumped into the river
Darkness still, where is dawn?
Just where have all those years gone
Catch a glimpse of your sweet face
Recalling our wedding day
Glancing in each others eyes
Feel you near and I shiver
For it's true, you have gone
Frantic I hug the pillow
Hoping for the impossible
That I'll see you once again
Looking now in the mirror
As my body does quiver
Everything points to that
For I am an old man now
I so need to hold your hand
Then look into your green eyes
And kiss those sweet lips once more
Thank you; my constant giver
Image found at https://www.istockphoto.com/au/photos/old-man-sleeping-chair
There's a dearth of Dogwood where I live
That tree whose blossoms have much to give
That outshines the stars to the trees mirth
It's the most flambuoyant tree on Earth
When flowering like a bride's garland
Quivering with delight with her man
As wedding bells ring for the couple
Those halcyon days being supple
Memories can be good and be bad
Marriage can fail which can be so sad
Bonds are cut, the streams water flows on
Love's granite crumbles in life's sad song
There's a dearth of Dogwood where I live
Rough is the weather with no take or give
We must adapt whether good or ill
To stay we must take that bitter pill
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I took a walk through the trees at Frensham Little Pond. A magical place that held so many memories of a girl I knew. Three young girls from school used to cycle here with snacks, drink and bathers to swim in the shallow waters of this beautiful pond surrounded by gorse and pines.
My wife and I had been birdwatchers for some time and had lived in Australia for years. We were keen to see the birds that coloured our childhood that were fast disappearing from the British countryside. We read of the Dartford Warbler that could be seen here at Frensham Little Pond.
So we drove down to this secret of her past of so long ago; to try to find the warblers including the gorse and broom. Warmed by the sun, keeping still we sat backs to a tree. The air was still and within minutes some little birds emerged from the bushes, flying up in the air and skimming back down again. They would perch proudly on a twig before disappearing into the undergrowth. In a lull of activity we consulted a field guide, checked their attributes and they were certainly Dartford Warblers. I became part of my wife's childhood and we have discovered an endangered British bird.
Returning years later, my wife has now died. So I walked alone through the bracken and reached the pond. Just me, Crested Grebe on the water and a Tern skimming overhead. I imagined the tinkle of laughter of three girls in the water and see their bikes on the shore. I'm part of their world through my wifes eyes and I regret that she is no longer here to share it with me. It is good to thank her here for the love she gave me as the trees look on.
Image found at https://www.ntprints.com/image/353770/frensham-litle-pond-with-swans-and-ducks-on-the-water
With thoughts in my mind and hope in my heart
I set about walking to the top of the hill
So I could look down on the town I was born
That I had left so many years ago
It has gorwn of course and changed so much
With one way traffic and conjested roads
Which is no surprise as towns grow up too
But sang soft song of love from long ago
Why did I go back? I hear you ask me
With sand and cement in every town
Perhaps to see the school I once was taught
And roam the woods and streams of long ago
Or walk to the railway's station now changed
Steam engines have disappeared from sight
Now provides a carpark for hundreds of cars
Recall just six, seventy years ago
Perhaps relive the trials of growing up
Queuing at cinemas ticket booth
Kissing first girlfriend by the parks gate
What a mercy I recall those days long ago
Image found at https://keithpp.wordpress.com/2015/08/22/afternoon-in-farnham-43/
I saw her across the street
Never thinking that we'd meet
Flicking her blonde streaked hair
Should I approach her, should I dare?
All rugged up in winter's cold
She must be twenty years old
So aloof but such a beauty
Have to ask her, it's my duty
Her green eyes, how they melt me
A flicker of smile I can see
Chat until her bus comes in
Then I walk home, I'm in heaven
Next day we arrange a date
That's simple, flicks! No debate
Cuddled up and held her hand
Ate the choc's gave her beforehand
I miss courting years ago
Beautiful years quickly go
But with her did not tarry
So one year later we did marry
Fifty years and now she's gone
Three babes, six grandkids on
Does one sing a song of praise
For each of those halcyon days?
When I saw her on that street
Who'd thought she'd make life so sweet
Luckiest man in the land
I still yearn to hold her hand
Image found at https://pixabay.com/en/romantic-hug-togetherness-embrace-1934223/
Shall I tell you about my first love?
The thrill to hold her warm hands in mine
Her laughing eyes her cute turned up nose
Everything about her so divine
I liked the way she lay her sweet head
On my chest on green hills grassy slope
And raised her head when she heard my heart
Beating fast with such desire and hope
It's funny loving someone this way
As the whole world now belongs to you
The sun, the moon, the wind and the sea
You're filled with such strength you never knew
The world's your oyster with much to try
And when you're young changes come so fast
There are now others flirting with you
Not long one smile and the bait is cast
Broken hearts end in Cupid's trash cart
Did you lose or did you not succeed?
Love when young is so expendable
Affairs when when your poor heart did bleed
When you lose that one that's been your life
Rage and loneliness overwhelm you
You see them in your dreams every night
Every moment recalls your love so true
https://pixabay.com/en/old-age-park-retirement-enjoy-164760/
I shouldn't have but I didn't care
I held her hand walking home from school
Our satchels on opposite shoulders
But everyone guessed we were such fools
I kissed her in her front room at home
And gently touched her arms and soft breasts
Heard her mother at back door come in
"Whose this" as girlfriend adjusts her dress
"Oh yes, I do remember your dad"
When we both tell her just who I am
Hoping she doesn't see girl's loose clothes
But think I'm as innocent as a lamb
How I loved this sweet girfriend of mine
And liked it when we walked near and far
Across field, in woods and running streams
Sadly in the end she said "Ta ta"
It's been sixty years since our last walk
Both married going separate ways
Our spouses left us now, their time came
So now we write in our final days
Image found at https://pixabay.com/en/couple-kissing-marriage-retro-love-1779066/
Why is it that now I am old
That childhood stares me in the face
To relive those halcyon days
I dream of climbing trees again
And wade in flowing water streams
To wake crying from my sad dreams
I see children iPad in their hands
Wasting the best time of their lives
So drift back to my youthful days
Watching steam engines roaring by
Perched at top of railway cutting
Smoke in face and eyes a'smarting
And dare I tell you the tale of Joan
My first real girlfriend all alone
With gentle touch and sweetest kiss
Our sighs marked first step in our lives
That put all childish things away
On a journey to this very day
Image found at https://pixabay.com/en/couple-love-teenagers-young-boy-2176614/
I do remember her
Cycling here both sitting down
Against the trunk of the tree
Beside the slow moving stream
Touching each others hands
Hearing the whistle of the train
A peaceful mourning sound
And crows squawking flying overhead
It has all changed now
For she died, so I came here
The best way to live with grief
The best way to fight death's sting
Sat by that tree and cried
While the chill air moved me
Gathering my memories
To dream of her in my cold bed
Image found at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Beside_the_River_Stour_-_geograph.org.uk_-_192091.jpg
"Those days have passed" she said to me
As I gently touched her calm face
Recalling those sweet memories
Of weeks before we both left school
We used to go to the town's park
To kiss in the dark shelter there
Or walk up the mounds winding path
Holding her warm hand, which was cool
She's right of course those days have gone
We both went our separate ways
That look in her eyes is still there
My heart still leaps, Oh what a fool
Just why does love endure so long
I guess she is still part of me
Now locked in my brain evermore
It hurts to leave my girl from school
Image found at https://www.videoblocks.com
Happiness in love with you
The look in your eyes
The touch of your skin
The kiss of your lips
That feeling within
At our secret rendevous
Little tricks we did employ
The nods of our heads
The jokes of our own
Our fingers entwined
Soft whispers alone
With you our lives to enjoy
There's such joy on your sweet face
First baby comes along
Then came number two
Given dog no less
What a delight with you
As we moved from place to place
You sit in chair across the room
Nodding off to sleep
I recall those years
Happy we did much
Though there were some tears
Sweet memories of your groom
Image found at https://www.milestoneretirement.com/senior-living/md/baltimore/symphony-manor-roland/
Oh I remember that August night
Jazz club was raging
Us two dancing
With me touching
And holding you close so very tight
Your eyes and your hands never left mine
We swung to the beat
Despite the heat
Still on our feet
The sweet smile on your face was sublime
Walked home after our very first date
Moon lighting the way
Watched your hips sway
Was a great day
Knew from the first you'd be my best mate
I wake now from my afternoon nap
And cry myself hoarse
Dreaming of course
Years from the source
You've died and left me in life's sad trap
How well I recall that summer night
Jazz club was swinging
We were singing
Then were kissing
Holding each other so very tight
Image found at https://rbkclocalstudies.wordpress.com/2013/02/28/jb-at-the-jazz-club/
Note. The last verse shows that his memory is not quite the same as it was in first verse. Such is the penalty of getting old and forgetful, so he could be very much like me! I did invite my wife when we first met to the Jazz club I attended; as she sang in a light opera group she looked horrified and said "No thanks", but I did see her perform in Iolanthe and other classical performances!
