Poem:  

Childhoods End

I see the morning sun break through bleak and stormy skies,

and I realise its over, tears clouding my eyes.

I remember all I’ve lost together with its passing;

seems so long since I was standing on that beach and laughing.

I knew true happiness then mindless to the passing season

until it was gone and I stood alone, shocked without a reason.

 

All is gone, or so it seems, for yesterdays never return.

Memories stir, though second-hand, they fan the senses that yearn.

 

Autumn falls, as do the leaves, the air grows cold and lonely.

Salt spray freezes on the pier the beach is littered and stony.

 

But, summer days will come again; once more my feet will wander

down to that beach, neath cloudless skies, and round its pools meander.

 

Summer doesn’t disappear

it only hibernates until next year

 

with buckets and spades we’ll dig the sand,

devour ice cream, and watch the band.

 

If at these thoughts your mind runs wild

I guess you’ve remembered once you were a child

 

I still look back with joy but sadness

To days gone forever but never the less

 

I fell wistful unashamed, and I often pretend,

that I’d never experienced childhoods end.

Len Morgan