If you have the time to spare, I have memories to share
Of bygone days and those I used to know
Lasting images of some who went before
Emerging from the shadows to command the stage once more
In summertime we played upon the sand
On Sundays we would go for walks then listen to the band
I remember “primrose cottage” and “honeysuckle farm”
The village church will never lose its charm
The clocktower bell will mark the hour of day
In the fields the men would gather hay
Beside our house a winding path leads down towards the sea
There were swings and slides and donkey rides
I still recall the way life used to be
From his brightly painted barrow Mr Ross sold ice cream
Were they really one a penny? Or was this all a dream?
Darting seagulls claim the sky throughout the day
Fishermen ran pleasure trips around the bay
We would make our way down to the beach
Casting pebbles from the waters edge to see how far they reach
Then walk along the shore to see what we may find
Floating treasure that the tide may leave behind
The book of life will turn a page and little has remained
The distant past like youth itself is not to be regained
Every season has to end, winter storms bring rolling waves
To break upon the shore, the carefree ways of childhood days
Will stay forever more…

BY STANLEY ROBINSON