Terry Ireland | + Follow Poet |
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Mitherings

With a roof over your head,
A key to your door
Fire in the grate
Clippie rugs on the floor
The countryside to roam
A dog by his side
A boy may be poor but
He’s still got h!is pride.

Another spring approaches 
Weather more and more mild
Memories rush back from
When I was a  child
More than fifty years ago
My dad used to say
Nights were drawing out by
A cock stride a day.

A man of the land once of
The shire drawn plough
Earning his weekly pittance
By the sweat of his brow.
A man of his time when
Most of the working nation
Were condemned to poverty 
And blatant exploitation

My mam and dad never
Ever had a lot
But seemed so happy
With what little they’d got 
And I had a childhood rich
In everything but wealth 
Loved and wanted and
Blessed with good health.

Times have changed and today,
Poor materially have much more, 
But the bailiff does at times seem 
Never far from a worker’s door, 
And I never thought I’d see the day
When a worker gave thanks
For the charity donations
From now essential food banks.

Mithering - North England dialect - worrying , complaining, countering

Copyright © Terry Ireland | Year Posted 2023

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Speaks Volumes Date: 3/12/2023 9:21:00 AM I think children that grow up in poorer circumstances learn a sense of appreciation and are able to value things more greatly. So long as there is enough. My daughter and I used to deliver food hampers to needy folk before Christmas each year. The really needy, would be embarrassed and thank us with eyes looking down to the ground. Those that had a tree brimming with gifts on display as we walked in, would gladly grab the hamper and start going through it before we left the room. Your poem overflowed with thoughts of living in the love of good people. Enjoyed Login to Reply Terry Ireland Date: 3/12/2023 11:24:00 AM Thanks Wen - simpler, less complicated times that need to be remembered

Daniel Turner Date: 2/28/2023 6:05:00 AM This is a wonderful poem, Terry. It reminded me of my childhood which was a lot like yours. That ending! I don't think modern day folks understand what "hard times" means. They go pick up their free groceries at the food bank in a brand new car, talking on a new smart phone wearing designer clothes. Not exactly the same. Great write, Terry. Login to Reply Terry Ireland Date: 2/28/2023 6:12:00 AM Thanks Daniel. Have spent 7 years trying to rehabilitate Forces Veterans as a volunteer at a small charity..They were at rockbottom and needed help. As you, sadly, say there are those who milk the system, but possibly put up with those so the deserving get the help they need. We really had to fight the system at times.