Visiting the Past

Like a pilgrim 

I return to the familiar.

Seeking solace 

In a landscape of memories.

No matter now

That sod has turned

And stone has crumbled,

All is still graced

By the child within,

Longing to be again

In days filled with family and friends.


No school today!

The joy of waking early

To a world full of promise,

Excited by the sounds

That shape the day,

The distant rumble of a tractor

A dog barks, A donkey brays,

No time to sit

Away to the fairy fort!

Let’s play hide and seek!


Your footsteps I can still trace

In the morning dew

Running through grassy fields

Chasing rainbows

Or rambling in the dusky wood

Home to a winding stream

Or a submarine

Or some imaginary tribe

Lost in a timelessly world.

Happiness was found

In our dreams and schemes.


I remember the sweet scent of hay

Carried on the Summer breeze.

And the cold embrace of Winter

On our hands and feet,

And cows to be milked,

And calves to be fed,

And dogs to be walked,

And plans to be made for “BallyB”.


How good it is

To have known and shared

That magic place

Of hope and home and heart.