Early Days

Childhood is precious.

Early Days

Once I dreamt.

In those dreams were soft images,

warm to the touch.

Safe places

where love was found

in the folds of my mother's

voluminous skirts.

Where school summer holidays

lasted forever and forever,

as we became

The Swallows and the Amazons,

cowboys and Indians,

doctors and nurses,

or cops and robbers,

in the balmy calm of infancy's

long untroubled days.

Then there were lush emerald fields

where sheep and cows

grazed in peaceful,

tranquil meadows.

Where we could smell the grass

breathe the heat,

and enjoy the sounds

of joyful bird song.

There were sea breezes,

upon sandy shores

beneath azure, sun drenched skies,

that sparkled and danced

upon the crests of gentle,

rolling waves.

No cares, no worries,

just childhood

at its quintessential best.

But alas, now long melted away,

consigned to history

and dusty photograph albums

of sepia reminiscence.

A mere mirrored memory

set in the stodgy and indigestible

reality of growing old.

 

20/05/17

Reviews

[Patrick]

First up, great poem and I am sincere in saying that. The flow is just right. Laughing at the azure skies - if British we don't get that many of them (apart from this last week). Will definitely read some more of your work

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Am looking at the azure sky as I type. Many thanks Patrick!

[Lydia Shutter]

Bittersweet nostalgia. Nothing stays the same. However, at least we are fortunate enough to grow old...many are not given that privilege. Lydi**

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed that is true and given the recent atrocity in Manchester is sharply in focus. Thank you Lydi.

[duff]

You captured innocence in splendid fashion. The neighborhoods where doors are open and kids are running in and out of each others houses and nobody thinks anything of it. This was a fun read. Great work.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I remember these days oh so well, even if a life time ago. Many thanks Duff.

[duff]

i know right. It feels that way, lol. You're very welcome.

[Island Hippy]

Aloha John, a warm generous write! Bright with popping images of life! To be a child again :) Izzy

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed Izzy, if only. But you are still in your prime so enjoy and keep writing.

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree John. It is sad we must lose the laughter and the mystery of youth.
"A mere mirrored memory
set in the stodgy and indigestible
reality of growing old."
The above lines. Solid and true. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you for reading and for being so kind in your comments Coyote.

[Coyote Poetry]

Always my pleasure to read your work and you are welcome.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

"Once I dreamt..." Stunning poetic reminiscence of the glory days of childhood..."In those dreams were soft images, warm to the touch."...evocative imagery capturing the sights, sounds, love, bringing tears to the eye. Beautiful flow and rhythm. Masterful and lovely. Thank you for the wonderful read!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

You are so kind Annette. Many thanks and I am happy you enjoyed.

[wordman]

makes you wonder if we lost our innocence ,
or if we was just taken over by reality

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A bit of both I think Ron, Thanks for reading.

[andrew mitchell]

lovely write john, the things we miss!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed Andrew. Many thanks.

[andrew mitchell]

always welcome john, a pleasure to read your ink.

[Kelly Scheppers]

You are a wonder to behold, John. There aren't many with a pulse who cannot relate to this brilliant, staggering work of art!

Bravo, I say!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

You humble me again dear Kelly. Thank you for such kindness.

[Kelly Scheppers]

...much deserving my dear friend!

[Gee]

Oh to be a kid again. This brought back many a memory John, many

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed, wish we could go back and do it better. Many thanks Gee.

[Gee]

Or just re live it as was but knowing what looms

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Perhaps Gee, perhaps.