Game Boy

back in my day we had to play there was not much else to do for a kid the climbing-frame was a tree or two if you were good enough to switch branches knees had to be grazed clothing torn and medals were acorns from said trees no safety-harness or crash helmet spare shoes if we were lucky to score goals on the pitch of life two jumpers for goal posts no video-assist not a red card in sight as we learnt to agree in defeat or victories’ glory when it got dark we had to be home as street light were timing machines if the sun fell and sweat grew cold in essence we only smelled of soap on Saturdays when the boiler ran the family-bath and the one soft toy I called my own cried when he got bubbles into his eyes as I wept along and shed tears of joy today for such a remarkably simple childhood 23rd June 2021