11 months ago
Uncle David
The Vestiges of Happy Times
A Memory Box
A red can rolling on rugged roads,
Two walkers heavy-laden
Who chance upon a smiling child
Too soon to be a maiden;
The sounds of sirens rushing past
And bright green, high-viz jackets,
Some shocking- pink and scented silk
Crushed scarves and chocolate packets;
Those unwise monkeys, sage old owls,
Rushed meetings on the playground,
Blue Chinese teapots, card designs,
Treasured totems tossed and found;
Dark decorated scented pines,
Proud tall denuded neighbours,
Cold leaden skies, secreted stars,
The shepherds from their labours;
All empty streets and hungry hearts,
Vestigial potpourri,
Dissolving hands around mine eyes,
Surprises that befall me;
Now times ahead are failing fast,
And those behind increasing,
Deep dazzling suns and azure skies,
Sad souls believing, kneeling;
The blasts of sirens once again,
Such dangerous journeys for thee,
Smart cars and trains and boats and planes,
Those empty seats before me;
Tears and tantrums, sulks and sorrows,
Silly sentiments of mine?
Not spent feelings soon forgotten,
But a vase of eglantine.
No, not spent feelings soon forgotten,
But lasting love forever thine.
David James Beale
For my sweet niece and her Grandmothers with thanks for their enduring love.
£20.00
