CHILDHOOD MEMORY 4

During the Forties I was just a lad
Growing up was not so bad;
Summer evenings,lengthened long,
Clambered tree,with birds in full song.

Across nearby fields,over the brook
Studying in nature's real-tim book;
Scaled branches for my egg collection,
Wild flowers then pressed to perfection.

Fishing for sticklback with jamjar and net,
Oftimes slipping and getting wet;
Boys' club,in the old school hall,
Indoor hockey with a ragged ball.

Gathering conkers on Chestnut Crescent
For nnual contests,adolescent;
Blue-paper fireworks,In November,
Baked spuds in glowing embers.

Around the streets,carol singing,
Boxes rattling,lanterns swinging;
Indelible ,magic memoir-
Remebered scenes from afar.