A Brandyball Coloured Sweet

In memory of my late grandfather and to think, I never knew he even played the game but for an old black/white family photograph !

A Brandyball Coloured Sweet

 

From city's maddening throng to getaway

a lone mountain peak far away

like shipwreck survivor, castaway,

I sought retreat!

Atop terra firma the ascend

the rocky terrain a tiring transcend

then high frontier and journey’s end,

at last complete!

 

Astonishment!.. An elderly man stood there

of my persona seemed aware

as down unbroken remained his stare,

upon jungle, of steel and reinforced concrete!

 

From outermost, protruding ledge

beckoning with stick of blackthorn hedge

to stand by him and gaze o’er the edge,

was the clear entreat!

 

At first unease the feeling

then curiosity came stealing

his countenance most genteeling,

so along side him I drew, to view the hordes effete!

 

Then in a voice unfazed

he described a setting somewhat less abrazed

though my appraise his view was hazed,

thick smog upon his eyes, had surely wrought a wicked cheat!

 

"Regard below bereft of guilt

fields all around like patchwork quilt

as erstwhile men swathe crop, firm grip on sickle's hilt

then bind sheaves of corn and golden wheat!

 

Take in the tranquil village on this sunny day

children all outside contented in their play

mothers busy in kitchen parlours, separating curds from whey,

mindful, neither two shall meet!

 

Behold pleasant green and marvelous sight

of fine men in cotton shirts, flannels, linen white

who play the hallowed game, spectators, ensconced in sheer delight,

this scene now almost replete!

 

Observe the skipper beckoning to me

inviting his strike bowler, O.W.B.

to join again in kindred spirit, the game esprit

and this team elite”!

 

He raised his head and pointed low

I gauged his desire to descend below

then on return to level plateau

within my palm he did bestow, a tasty little treat!

 

We bid farewell as into the fog he walked away

straight to the cricket club, I made my way

through decorated gallery, the foray

and there between silver accolades on display, somewhat discreet!

 

A faded photo and to immense surprise

centre of rear row, a face in younger guise

including inscription below, the apprise,

in letters bold and neat!

 

The winning team in cheer, McMullan Memorial Cup, 1930 the year

man of the match, the initials were bold and clear

O. W. B. and then reflective tear,

as still within my palm, that little sphere

My favourite childhood, brandyball coloured sweet!

Reviews

[Neville]

Cor blimey mate, what an absolutely amazing discovery, makes my hair stand on end, so much more than mere coincidence methinks, it just has to be so much more. I believe it was meant to be stumbled upon by your good self. Extremely well written and certainly one of my favourites to date. I'm off now to buy some boiled sweets. N

[Tom]

Good idea Neville, think I might nip out and get some too, thanks again my friend for your visit and praiseworthy review and reckon you're right...fate so decreed !!

[Neville]

My pleasure Tom as always....N

[Gleb Zavlanov]

A marvelous poem. This was so mesmerizing, like a memory, abstract like a dream, and beautiful like a poem. I can see that definitely put a lot of thought into this one, and it surely paid off at the end. Amazing job!

[Tom]

Thank you Gleb, yes you are correct I thought deeply about this one !

[David Scott]

The poems structure reminds me of having a memory revisit the mind over and over with a gentle tickle of thought.
I can see you put thought and emotion into this predacious recollection of your grandfather.
Well done!

[Tom]

Thank you David, yes indeed there's a bit of feeling with this one !

[Hotwater]

A well told tale tom!... haha... you got a good rhythm going too... nicely played!

*bird*

[Tom]

Thank you Hotwater bird, yea I tried something different with the rhyme pattern here and pleased I am you noticed that !

[Yellow Butterfly]

It's good to get away and find a place to take time out and sit back and reflect on loved ones that have passed. Your grandfather's legacy and love of cricket lives on in you.... this is a beautiful tribute to a man who you hold dear to your heart as you keep his memory alive in this wonderful poem.

A profound and at the same time a poignant write Tom

Thanks for sharing
:O)

[Tom]

Thank you YB, you are a most charming lady !

[Trace]

This blew me away. excellent rhyming and rhythm, and an intriguing story told. I really enjoyed your rhyme pattern. well done. Trace

[Tom]

Thank you very much Trace

[Joyce S. Greene]

What a wonderful story, Tom. A lot of dreaming room left for the readers. How did the old man know this particular speaker was coming to town and that his favorite candy was a brandyball colored sweet? Perhaps the speaker is a famed cricket player and his itinerary known, especially to cricket players? But it's always good to leave your readers room to dream, so I won't press for answers. Very well conceived and crafted, Tom. You have a gift.

[Tom]

Very kind of you to say so Joyce and yes you're spot on, I left it open to the imagination of the reader !

[Dr. Wood ?]

wonderful story, expertly told...great stuff

[Tom]

Like yourself Doc, I do like a story though perhaps mine are not quite as fun as yours ?? (Alas) & thanks for your kind comments!

[Sheila Kline]

An absolutely amazing tribute to your late grandfather - a wonderful account of a sport he loved and your ability to write all of this from a photograph is even more impressive! I followed the story with keen interest - stopping particularly at the verse

"Regard below bereft of guilt
fields all around like patchwork quilt
as erstwhile men swathe crop, firm grip on sickle's hilt
then bind sheaves of corn and golden wheat!

......for some reason this one just jumped out at me - the imagery is so very vivid!

Your grandfather would be very proud of you and your ability to tell a story and to do so in such impressive rhyme and meter!!!!

[Tom]

Thank you Sheila, yes indeed modern machinery and intensive farming having done away with all the old ways & customs, so its nice to keep the memories alive of former times long gone bye!

[Lydia Shutter]

You are an expert story teller. The nostalgia is rich, the emotions honest. I could picture the scene. Catching that ball was a major moment and you have memorialized is here. The rhyme scheme is super, the rhythm is smooth. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Lydi**

[Tom]

Thank you Lydia, yes indeed I do like to tell a story as well within a poem and glad you enjoyed it!