Scars Left Behind

Remembering the days of yesteryear
when family ties were held most dear,
gas lamps flickered in the back street
while most of us danced a different beat.
Tragic alleyways of smog and smut
“Live over the brush”* branded a sl*t,
silhouettes infringe the darkest night
gullible back shift broke the morning light.
Adventurous nights at “Townhead Mill”
eight pints of beer the back porch thrill,
when no meant yes in rapturous skill
to fumigated music from “Nashville.”
Obnoxious libertine this bread man
bay curtain drawn delivery van,
the situation conspired indiscretion
clinical the world’s oldest profession.
Sporting gentlemen in summer bliss
caught first ball costly night on the piss,
pavilion home to moorside drover
many a chaste maiden bowled over.
Partial pilgrimage down “Bolton Road”
black and amber heroes round ball code,
liniment buoyant throughout the room
manly skills embroider the village groom.
Cardinal days steeped in “Rock ‘n’ Roll”
sire in fear of them out of control,
a colossal wedge between cultures
in shadows of decency vile vultures.
Repetitious days of school yard might
the bullies reduced one’s life to plight,
parents queried yet misunderstood
reasons for mayhem in the neighbourhood.
Lad and lasses lost in “Hide and seek”
games of “Stroke a back” every week,
by the old school grounds we all did laik**
now the street is naked for heaven sake.
Why on earth would a mind keep drifting back
this poetry constantly placing me on track,
when life was a role without fame or stars
only toil and trepidation and these scars?

© Harry J Horsman 2013   

*Living in sin
** Play
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Duncan Avatar
June 14, 2014 at 3:17 AM
Awesome words you have here Harry. Glad you liked my Chocolate covered Cherries. ((( happy summer )))
Manassian Avatar
February 23, 2013 at 4:01 PM
Harry...thank you for this peek into the past....Every single one of us is scarred and carrying baggage because we live in a twisted and sinful world...The secret is to find someone who brings healing to the heart and soul and doesn't matter the scars...Hugs! Thanks for always being there for me!
Jerden Avatar
February 10, 2013 at 5:33 PM
Very powerful, Harry. It took a while for me to pick up on some of the references, but this is what I like, a bit of mystery and misdirection to seduce the reader, but with straightforward hard-hitting, primal language. Nice musical references. Good luck, Roy
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
February 4, 2013 at 10:48 AM
Just come back to this one it is brilliant it really is xx
Burch Avatar
January 31, 2013 at 10:09 AM
Fabulous!!! Effortless flow and interest!! So well done 'arry. Love it. Big hugs. Love ya deb
Dietrich Avatar
January 29, 2013 at 11:59 PM
this is so deep and meaningful. I can see that you put a lot of thought into this one, Harry. The rhyme also so effortless, I almost thought i was reading free verse because it just flows with your sincere words! I did not understand some parts, I guess for certain references you made, but the general feeling is well understood!
Kearley Avatar
January 29, 2013 at 6:40 PM
This was a beauty to me Harry...I loved all the different words.. :o) And you almost brought me back there with this fine write.
Wesley Avatar
January 29, 2013 at 5:52 PM
A masterpiece Harry, I sure picked one that made me sit up and take notice. I think I have a few of those scars too Harry and maybe the pain they leave carve special places out of each one of us who experiece them. I need to have this in my faves! Love, Elizabeth
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
January 29, 2013 at 2:35 PM
I'm with Anthony xx
Situation Avatar
January 29, 2013 at 2:21 PM
i like it when people mintion me in their poetry.
Grisetti Avatar
January 29, 2013 at 12:29 PM
I did not understand all of your referenences - must be a regional thing. Great poem. The past always seems to be more perfect than it really was.
Nutter Avatar
January 29, 2013 at 9:23 AM
OMG this was absolutely fabulous Harry, one of the best I've read on the soup. Going to add it to my favorite poem list.
Komala Avatar
January 29, 2013 at 9:16 AM
...Superb write!!!.congratulation for the contest dear Friend :)
Chircop Avatar
January 29, 2013 at 8:22 AM
Its nice to go.back in time..I keep doing that too Harry.I guess it means with its prons and cons..Life wasnt.that bad afterall.Sweet nostalgia.You crafted.the poem so well Harry.I do enjoy all that you write my friend.Charma
Carrillo Avatar
January 29, 2013 at 7:43 AM
Harry; This is a wonderful poem of days gone by and of the scars that were left behind. Sometimes there are things that as much as we try - we cain't forget. Good luck in the contest. Lucilla
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