Seaside Memories

Modest swimsuits, bathing boxes White-blue flesh ice cold Scratchy towels, sandy sandwiches Pots of tea being sold Foxford blankets, picnic baskets – A donkey ride on the strand Flowery summer frocks, mischief brimming A practical joke being planned Hesitant breast strokes – high pitched laughter Terror, delight ‘the cold’! - Sunburn, windburn, scalded skin – ‘You’ll remember this when you are old’ Your mother is calling ‘the picnic is ready’ ‘I’ll be there in a minute’, you say. As you dive down again under – The sea bed to plunder - ‘There is treasure down there, Mam’ you say!’ Landladies’ rules, pubs with high stools ‘– A large bottle, sir, if you please - And may be a chaser?’ ‘You are a disgrace, sir - The night will blow away with the breeze’. A day at the races, smiles on mens’ faces, Jingles in pockets, dinner in ‘Rocketts’ - A beer and a ***, a joke and a drag – ‘This is grand, Sir!’ Which horse do you fancy – I think Mary Nancy Called after his missus – and just as delicious ‘A winner for sure, sir And what are you bettin’? Think of what you’ll be gettin’ When you win on the jackpot – It is certain, sir!’ Sea-side rock plastic, Coloured windmills fantastic Naughty postcards to be hidden – Their content forbidden, By your mother – The day’s nearly over – You are tired – you’ll recover For a night at the amusements – you have one and twopence Clean clothes, polished shoes and a song.