Gordon Mcconnell Poet Rhyme

My Old Town's Sad Decline

It was my first time back since covid
to my home town Kilmarnock by name
over recent years there's been changes
few for the better but what's to blame?

The town has deteriorated, so many closures
it's so sad to see this great decline
remembering my teenage years now fat gone
would never have believed then down the time

Covid has had its effect there's no doubt
so many mote shops top let or for sale
no incentive to move back for any reason
becoming a ghost town such a sorry tale

Now the soccer club has been relegated
from the Premiership after twenty-eight years
the fans feel frustrated and let down
but these things happen no matter the tears

Let's hope in the coming decades
it'll all be turned around again
maybe the next generation brings hope
in the present hour all there cry when!

(Just so sad an experience last weekend visiting my old home town which I left all of 31 tears ago, to see its sad decline. I have just written these words hoping it will mean something who have experienced a similar situation or even maybe some former Kilmarnockonians looking at our old town.)

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Suzanne Delaney July 5, 2021 at 5:20 PM We can only pray for a turnaround, Gordon On the bright side it could happen and come back better than ever. SuZ Gordon Mcconnell July 6, 2021 at 3:24 AM Thanks Suzanne for your encouraging thoughts and indeed maybe someday it will. Hope all is well with you, it's a lovely sunny day here in Scotland. Gordon

Brian Sambourne June 24, 2021 at 10:48 AM Perhaps, Gordon, Kilmarnock will rise like a Phoenix from the ashes. One can hope for a turnaround. By the way, I lived on a street named Kilmarnock here in Toronto till I was 12 years. One set of grandparents was British. Keep the faith. Be well. Brian Gordon Mcconnell June 24, 2021 at 11:43 AM Thanks Brian for your kind words and good to know you're in Toronto, I've a brother in law who lives in Owen Sound not far from Toronto I think. I'm in Scotland where summer is beginning to shine. Keep well and be blessed,Gordon

Lindsay Laurie June 4, 2021 at 6:22 PM Hello Gordon … sadly it is all in the name of progress. All our little shops and manufacturing jobs have gone to greener pastures, but it looks like the people don’t matter so they move way so they can survive - happening everywhere Gordon - Lindsay Gordon Mcconnell June 5, 2021 at 12:53 AM Good morning Lindsay, All so true indeed, hope it's fine with you as it's another lovely bright morning here. Take care and have a blessed weekend, Gordon

Brandy Nicole June 3, 2021 at 5:17 PM Gordon, I hate hearing this news about your hometown. I hope in the years to come, your town is bright and cheerful, with many out and about. Remember the good times and the memories of long ago. Many wonderful blessings to you. Hugs, Brandy Gordon Mcconnell June 4, 2021 at 12:52 AM Hi Brandy, so good to hear from you, and thanks for your kind words. Trust you're well, it's a beautiful sunny morning over here. Hugs and blessings, Gordon

Eileen Manassian June 3, 2021 at 7:13 AM I feel the pain in the lines. That is one reason who I don't want to go back to my childhood home. I don't think I would be able to take what it's become. Thanks for the visit. Gordon Mcconnell June 3, 2021 at 8:05 AM Hi Eileen, Good to hear you again, glad you liked it even if it caused pain. Take care and keep safe, Blessings, Gordon

Kim Merryman June 1, 2021 at 4:36 PM When I first went home after being away for many years, I was shocked at how rundown my old neighborhood was. They closed the air force base and the place became drug and crime ridden. It really is sad to see. Great poem, Gordon! Blessings, Kim M Gordon Mcconnell June 2, 2021 at 6:43 AM Thanks Kim, Glad you thought my pen a great write and indeed it's a shock when the place you know so well is not the same anymore. Blessings always, Gordon

L Milton Hankins June 1, 2021 at 3:56 PM There's an old saying, "You can't go back home," and it is true, Gordon. The home you remembered is no longer there, so many changes over time. Everything will seem somehow smaller, too. Gordon Mcconnell June 2, 2021 at 6:40 AM Thanks Milton, That's an interesting saying you quote as one I've never heard before. Thanks for your interesting words.

Tom Cunningham June 1, 2021 at 1:27 PM It must have been quite a shock Gordon because you had memories of years ago and any changes really stand out. Memories I have growing up in Birmingham I want to keep as they are so won't be going back anytime soon, Hope you're well and enjoying the heatwave, thundery showers for tomorrow, agh well it was nice while it lasted. Tom Gordon Mcconnell June 1, 2021 at 1:32 PM Thanks, Tom, It truly was as pre covid I had been visiting every few months but this look was really so sad, and been hearing M&S may close there soon and that would really be the end. I've been enjoying the sunshine, getting the grass cut too and it's not to end till Thursday at least up here. Take care, Gordon