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

[Rita L. Sev]

Great tribute piece here, Tom - you tell the story well!

[Tom]

Thank you Rita !

[Marie]

A sweet tribute, Tom, and a sweet little brandy ball...I suppose you couldn't save that...

[Tom]

Your're right Maria, I ate it ! And thanks for looking in!

[Glen Yumang Manese]

I see this is a tribute piece and you even went as far as using a restrictive rhyme scheme to do so...a got reading and had a hard time finishing...but I got through it...seems your overtly overjoyed in the lines...

[Tom]

I sure did !

[Frieda P]

Love this tribute Tom, the wording is exquisitely lovely...he would have been as proud as you are of him...well done!

[Tom]

Thank you Frieda for very thoughtful comments!

[Frieda P]

Was my pleasure, muchly enjoyed Tom.