My mother left home when I was ten
I often think back to then
She ran away for a fresh start
Leaving us kids with a broken heart
The days slowed down, but I don’t recall
Anything else that summer at all
Except oft smelling, in tearful lament
A dress, because, it held her scent
Banana float ride along the sea shore
Zest of lemon, but not the core
Daffodils dancing among the peaks
Brightly bobbing blackbird beaks
Listen, hark, hear that quiet…
Slow your heart beat from its riot
There’s time enough to pause a while
Then look about, find cause to smile.
Autumn’s air-born rusty leaves
Sliding silently upon the eaves
As branches slip their summer clothes
Better to bear the wintry snows
Crows caw loudly to the sky
A warning for all passers by
No time to lose, the temperature’s falling
Hurry on home, the hearth is calling.
Every wireless needed a wire
Tin bath in front of a nice coal fire
Always fresh air in the outside loo
Banished the smell when you had a poo
Talking to friends meant knocking on their door
Cold lino on the living room floor
Sharing a bed with a brother or sister
All grown-ups were called Mrs or Mr
Free dinners for the poor at school
Nobody called anything ‘cool’
Being told who’s top of the class
Shilling in the meter for electric and gas
Saturday morning at the local flicks
Warming the bed with heated bricks
Signposts on roads were actually necessary
Contraception was risky; a condom or pessary
Milk and letters were delivered each morn
By people who got up well before dawn
No spitting allowed on the top of the bus
Eating greens must be done without any fuss
Everyone had to amuse themselves
Best done with a book from the library shelves
Ink pens were dipped in a dark blue pot
Each page could be ruined by a single blot
Police and kettles all had whistles
Shaving and shoe brushes with real bristles
Dust bins were collected and never put out
Mess about and you got a clout!
Come marvel and wonder at dawn’s early light
As boldly it brightens to banish the night
A new day that promises fresh chances and hope
To those still alive to share in its scope
For many may not see another new day
When this one is spent and the light goes away
So embrace with some passion each moment we share
Use the day prudently, live it with care.
Life’s no rehearsal
That’s what they say
So enjoy life together
Each precious day
Share common pleasures
Work as a pair
Don’t waste a moment
Laugh without care
For soon it’ll be over
The time will have come
With no final chances
For any more fun
But know that you’re lucky
To hold someone dear
And don’t practise now
For when they’re not there.
When sun blessed days are but memories
Winter’s grip tight round windows and walls
As soil hardens and nature rests soundlessly
Listen and heed as the fireside calls
Then warming, recall those happier times
What you did and what difference you’ve made
Think then of all those less fortunate
Living lives never out of the shade.
Look at my wrinkled hand
It wasn’t like that before
Why are my knees hurting so
When I get up to answer the door
Why do I feel so tired these days
I’ll be better when I’ve had a nap
Turn on the telly, if you please
But I bet it’s all going to be crap
What day is this and who are you
I don’t recognise anyone now
Childhood memories are crystal clear
But yesterday’s not there anyhow.
Head to the light
That seems the advice
But no-one’s come back
To say that way is nice
Don’t worry right now
About what you will do
Whatever comes after
Is not up to you
But when the time comes
After one final breath
You’ll merge with the cosmos
That’s not really death.
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