Childhood Memories – A Poem by Zena Ball
CHILDHOOD MEMORIES
What freedom we had when I was a child
Compared to nowadays.
We were allowed to roam about at will,
And even ride our bikes on the roads.
When we were little and days were sunny
Our Mother and her friend would meet
Their purses were empty and they had no money
But loved taking us out for a treat.
We would visit the Drope half a mile away
Where we could all picnic and play.
Mother made sandwiches and took some pop
And we would all have a lovely day.
The field was quite large with a river close by,
And a railway viaduct
We would wave to the trains as they went by,
And the drivers and guards would wave back.
We played rounders and shouted until we were hoarse,
And even the Mothers joined in.
Together with others that happened to be there,
Enjoying the afternoon sun.
We would swim in the river to cool ourselves off
The water was clean in those days.
We would dive from the bank and cross on the log
And from the bank pick the daisies.
A tributary stream into the river dull flow,
With water as clear as a bell.
When we were thirsty we just cupped our hands
And drank as if from a well.
As the evening approached and the sun went down,
We would wend our way home to our Dad.
The lane seemd so long as we daudled along,
With Mother carrying all the bags.
Zena Ball