Longing

It’s that time of year when longing occurs A Country, far away, waits to welcome us A challenging journey awaits patiently Back in time as time lords partake The clocks of the World tick away the hours Arrive quietly, fall into days of travel fatigue Time to now venture out into our childhood World Walk streets so narrow, memories deceive People acknowledge each other A wave, a smile, a shout of hello Not known to each other, just welcome all Familiar faces, we struggle for names Some look our way, turn, and look again smile to yourself, know you as well The pubs, places of friends and gossip Time for a rest, and a pint of best bitter Stand at the bar with thoughts for company A group of locals enter the bar The sounds of voices echo afar Study faces in the mirror, reflection behind the bar Know them all from time gone by A female voice asks a question Turn to look at the question asker Eyes are the first to betray a smile She uses your name, it sounds like poetry Please join us and share your adventures? join the group of young men and women They all stand as if welcoming royalty Laughter and handshakes, kisses on the cheek Comments of not changed in manner or looks sitting down amongst friends of old The question asker, with eyes that look through to your soul Eyes study eyes, known once before Hers did not blink as laughter unfolded Quietly asked, why did you go away? Explanation given, all politely listened Exhaustion from questions as the hours ticked by Eventually all said their good byes Quietness descended once again Just you and inner thoughts, sitting quietly A female voice, may I sit for a while? You both smile, lost for words Her hand reaches across the table Silent question as your hand reaches out If only, the question as you chat over times gone by Both stand and hug and say their farewells She leaves without turning around Memories burst in my head Day one adventures completed happily.