Early Childhood Memory

The year was sixty-seven, mid July,
a summer's day, and Hucknall was the place,
I sat beneath a cornflower blue sky,
sun hat on head, and ice cream on my face.
Strange mixtures of aromas filled my nose,
like aviation fuel and candy floss,
hot dogs with onion, I had one of those,
got ketchup down my shirt, my Mum was cross.
Not angry for too long, she treated me
to my first trip aloft, a pleasure flight,
a 1930s biplane, the Rapide,
all wood and struts and wires, like a kite.
Mum leaned across and handed me a sweet,
she said to me that sucking it would stop
the pressure change around two thousand feet
from making both my eardrums go pop.
We bumped along the grass, took to the air,
warm currents rose then dropped our little plane,
my face at one point took on colour where
the lime boiled sweet and it were both the same.
We landed, I climbed out, all beaming smiles,
and pleaded with my Mum to go again,
my next flight I would have to wait a while,
but that was when I fell in love with planes.

For contest 'Early childhood memory', sponsor Line Gauthier
22nd April 2018
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Hargreaves Avatar
May 3, 2020 at 2:32 PM
Hello Viv. Your poem brought back lovely memory of my father and I going for a short flight from Squires Gate Blackpool in the mid fifties. I think it was a dH Rapide. Best wishes. Tony.
Moorman Avatar
April 28, 2018 at 6:04 AM
Viv, what a great adventure to have as a lifelong memory. My first plane ride was in my 22nd year on a flight to Istanbul Turkey for an 18 month Air Force. The only other 'field' I remember is the cotton field, not the airfield. I was picking cotton to buy school clothes. Both 'fields' hold great memories for me. Congrats on a fine win, my friend!
Wigley Avatar
April 29, 2018 at 2:16 AM
Thanks, Curtis, at least your cotton field memories are more peaceful and loved. Regards, Viv
Neumann Avatar
April 28, 2018 at 3:26 AM
Great. what a memory. Kai
Roper Avatar
April 25, 2018 at 8:38 PM
Congratulations on your win, Viv, wonderful poem and memory ..Hugs Eve ~`*
Wigley Avatar
April 29, 2018 at 2:16 AM
Thanks Eve, you can't beat nice treasured memories. Viv x
Haight Avatar
April 25, 2018 at 3:48 PM
Such a well-written Rhyme about your childhood memory that shaped your future love of planes, Viv! Congrats on your well-deserved podium win. Sandra
Wigley Avatar
April 29, 2018 at 2:17 AM
Thanks Sandra, glad you liked it . Viv x
Gentry Avatar
April 25, 2018 at 2:24 PM
Back to congratulate! Well done.
Wigley Avatar
April 29, 2018 at 2:17 AM
Thanks, Susan x
Carmack Avatar
April 25, 2018 at 2:18 PM
Like a smooth glide, this one flows well. Congrats Viv!
Wigley Avatar
April 29, 2018 at 2:18 AM
Thanks Rob, appreciate it. Regards, Viv
Canerdy Avatar
April 25, 2018 at 9:56 AM
What a memorable picture you've painted, Viv! CONGRATS! Janice
Wigley Avatar
April 29, 2018 at 2:18 AM
Thanks, Janice x
Gauthier Avatar
April 25, 2018 at 9:21 AM
A fun read and the flow is excellent. Well penned, Viv. Congrats on your silver medal win.
Wigley Avatar
April 29, 2018 at 2:18 AM
Thanks, Line, nice contest, much appreciated x
Talbot Avatar
April 25, 2018 at 6:00 AM
Indeed, a wonderful childhood memory! congratulations on your 2nd place Viv, Mick
Wigley Avatar
April 29, 2018 at 2:19 AM
Thanks Mick, a nice surprise. Regards, Viv
Dietrich Avatar
April 24, 2018 at 3:27 PM
wow, what a memory to cherish. This is GREAT work. I too grew up the majority of my childhood in the 60's!!
Wigley Avatar
April 29, 2018 at 2:20 AM
A nice time to grow up, well, allowing for the odd war, in your case. Viv x
Rose  Avatar
April 23, 2018 at 4:24 PM
It sounds like you had a memorable childhood. I have enjoyed your poem this evening
Wigley Avatar
April 24, 2018 at 8:44 AM
Thanks, Pixie, it had it's moments. Thanks for dropping by, Viv x
Horsman Avatar
April 23, 2018 at 10:26 AM
What a wonderful story, in awesome rhyme.
Wigley Avatar
April 24, 2018 at 8:44 AM
Thanks Harry, appreciate it. regards, Viv
Gentry Avatar
April 22, 2018 at 3:26 PM
A great memory. Well written. Good luck with the contest.
Krampe Avatar
April 22, 2018 at 7:43 AM
Nice storytelling, Viv; you brought the memory to life with all the details.
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