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Blackpool's Golden Mile

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Originally published: 12th September 2020

Image: Blackpool Illuminations' Postcard.

This poem was placed 1st in the "YOU DECIDE" contest sponsored by Brian Strand (Judged 26th February 2023)

The Golden Mile (it's actually 1.6 miles) is the name given to the stretch of Promenade between the North and South piers in Blackpool, England. I remember so vividly as a child our family visits to Blackpool's famous illuminations in my dad's beloved Morris Minor.

some other world passed by that night through wet circles on the glass. against the blur of dark and light crowds swarmed and walked en-masse. the storm picked up along South Shore spitting patterns on the screen. the wipers rubbed and squeaked once more leaving fan shapes where they’d been. the lights that danced above the clubs were synced to move like real. they chased down piers and past the pubs and round the ferris wheel. our car would crawl and stop again as we queued in single file. through steamed up windows and driving rain beat the heart of The Golden Mile.

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Sam Kauffman

Date: 1/31/2023 9:38:00 AM

Gary, congratulations on your top win! I loved this poem the first time I read it and am so happy you brought it out again for this contest as it is a joy to experience again! Blessings! Cheers!

Gary Radice
Date: 2/1/2023 3:09:00 AM

Thanks Sam. Blackpool is one of those places in England that people either love with a passion or loathe with a passion. I fall into the former category although I might not like it as much if I lived there permanently. Thanks for your visit. Cheers - Gary

Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 1/28/2023 7:11:00 AM

What a beautiful picture you paint Gary. Congratulations on your win! :)

Gary Radice
Date: 1/28/2023 12:11:00 PM

Thanks si much for your lovely comments Alice. Blackpool still holds a special place in my heart today. Cheers - Gary

Tony Hargreaves

Date: 10/15/2020 11:35:00 AM

Hi Gary. The Golden Mile, I know it well. Such lovely memories come back to me from your poem. Many thanks. Always enjoyed the spirit of Blackpool. Walking the beach, dancing in the Tower Ballroom, the big dipper thrill at the pleasure beach and supping ale at the Manchester. Best wishes. Tony

Gary Radice
Date: 10/15/2020 12:35:00 PM

I've always loved Blackpool Tony. It doesn't pretend to be anything other than it is. Yes, the sparkle has been lost somewhat from those days when The Grumbleweeds played the piers but we still love our visits. A great source for poetry methinks. Cheers - Gary

Geoffrey Brewer

Date: 9/27/2020 6:29:00 AM

I have never been to Blackpool (haven’t lived!) but this word picture gives me a convincing, vivid image, Gary.

Gary Radice
Date: 9/27/2020 1:26:00 PM

Hi Geoffrey! Thank you. My mission is therefore accomplished. I love the idea of painting pictures in words. Cheers - Gary

Sam Kauffman

Date: 9/15/2020 9:59:00 AM

What a delightful snapshot held in time, Gary. Your words and vivid images really illuminated your memory and your poem. Really enjoyed this write. Congratulations on your winning placement!

Gary Radice
Date: 9/15/2020 10:37:00 AM

Thank you Sam! I can remember scenes from 50 years ago yet ask me what I did last week and I couldn't tell you :)

Jeanne Mcgee

Date: 9/15/2020 7:25:00 AM

This is such a wonderfully written poem. Your 2nd stanza was my favorite but the whole was a lovely image for someone who has never been, I could see it quite clearly. congrats on first.

Gary Radice
Date: 9/15/2020 9:04:00 AM

Thank you Jeanne. The images outside of that steamed up Morris Minor have stayed with me for nigh on 50 years. :)

Sharon Keely

Date: 9/12/2020 6:37:00 PM

You've brought back warm memories of a night job working in the club on the Eastbourne pier. A couple of the girls left for the brighter lights of Blackpool - no doubt the rain was the same!

Gary Radice
Date: 9/13/2020 12:12:00 AM

Hi Sharon! Thank you for your comments. Yes..the rain! It ALWAYS rained when we used to go to The Lights :) It never put us off though. Such great memories. I've never been to Eastbourne but I love the British seaside and its piers. Cheers - Gary

Jan Allison

Date: 9/12/2020 11:37:00 AM

wonderful memories for me and such vivid description from you, we went back a couple of years ago to see the illuminations, :-) hugs jan xx

Gary Radice
Date: 9/13/2020 12:03:00 AM

Hi Jan! Thank you for your comments. Glad it brought back memories for you. My family and I are off to The Lights next weekend. Not a patch on what they used to be..or is that because as a child the whole world was bigger and brighter back then? :) Cheers - Gary

Tom Cunningham

Date: 9/12/2020 11:08:00 AM

That brought back memories Gary, I've been there a few times for the illuminations. Enjoy your weekend, greetings from Turkey. Tom

Gary Radice
Date: 9/12/2020 11:56:00 PM

Hello Tom! Thank you for stopping by and reading. I love Blackpool for all its tackiness - it doesn't pretend to be anything else than it is. I just had to write a poem about the place. The lights were a treat as a child. Enjoy your weekend too and thank you. Cheers - Gary