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.
This candle was first lit on the 15th of December 2023 and will burn for 99 years 7 months and 10 days.