Old Town Past

OLD TOWN PAST

Gone: the Market where cows sheep and pigs brought telling perceptions
The images, noises and smells of the farms to the town
The tweeded farmers with leathery limbs and faces
And gaiters of deepest sheen in a rich chestnut brown

Flaxen ropes, billhooks, pitchforks enough for a peasants' uprising
Spread along the High street and over the Corn Exchange square
While Newport Street furnished inns for all thirsts' reviving
And above all, the clock tower made skyline iconic and fair

Then was school run not protected, chauffeured, in cars
But raced, skipped or dawdled through field, street, market, rail station
Our little world teamed with action, unscreened - no bars
Of health and safety; adventure without filtration

In that world we seemed in different incarnation
Can we thus discern immortality's intimation
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Delaney Avatar
March 2, 2021 at 5:47 PM
The times and scenes of the past brought back a more peaceful worldview. Congratulations Geoffrey. SuZ
La France Avatar
March 2, 2021 at 3:14 PM
Geoffrey, congratulations on your win in Carolyn's contest with this excellent poem _Constance
Awtry Avatar
March 2, 2021 at 9:53 AM
The first word "Gone:" grabs the attention and serves as a warning--a bookend of sorts to the last line. Especially appreciated your description of the leathery farmers. So much change in these modern times...
Devonshire Avatar
March 1, 2021 at 11:40 AM
Scenes from our old ways of life are always disappearing. I was especially moved by the way you describe today's school runs. I think it was more fun to walk to school with friends. Well penned, Geoffrey. Congratulations on a second place in the contest! Best wishes, Carolyn
Radice Avatar
February 28, 2021 at 4:15 AM
When kids were taught how to think not what to think and when life was much more than an app. Another great write Geoffrey. Cheers - Gary
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