Somewhere To Go

It was a cloud burst on that ominous bleak stormy day
The beck in ‘Johnny Walker’s Ghyll’ overflowed blocked our way.

Yet with speculation and tenacity we kids waded
Where ‘Back Lane’ once followed the dry limestone wall unaided.

Beyond the hedgerow sky line, the patter of many voices
Unconcerned having escape the down pour laugh and rejoices.

After all, ‘Jack Steel’s barn’ where the hay bales were still warm
From those the weary village urchins like us sheltering from the storm.

I think of such innocence today when to avoid ventures in the rain
When the village landscape portrayed through a vastly different pane.

Children without a childhood so sophisticated with mobile phone
An intellect far removed from the values of yesterday did hone.

But today still happy I am when faced with trials of growing old
That old barn my sanctuary I can enter time again is to me gold.

 © Harry J Horsman 2020
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Ricci Avatar
October 11, 2021 at 2:27 AM
Hello hh - Your entry is well stated throughout but I have to say the last three couplets bring your thoughts home with impact. Wonderful execution including your title. Have a great morning and day.
Wolf Avatar
August 22, 2020 at 9:23 PM
Ah, 'the values of yesterday, -- so pleasant a memory. Take away the damn devices and the kids will find them again. It's we/us who are the problem. We won't take them away and let them be kids. ~ Let 'em squawk for a day or two. They'll get over it and rediscover themselves. ~ Imagination and Intrigue, Gershon
Laurie Avatar
August 22, 2020 at 5:02 PM
My gosh Harry, you certainly brought back some of my old memories from my childhood in a tiny rural village. We made our own fun but sadly, I see so called progress is destroying our past piece by piece - thanks once again Harry - Lindsay
One Avatar
August 22, 2020 at 6:21 AM
I think you are right and such a difference of childhoods today from days gone by.. Congratulations on your placement in the contest..
Kapoor Avatar
August 22, 2020 at 5:25 AM
What a lovely piece of childhood scene you have sketched df Harry. Reading these lines " I think of such innocence today when to avoid ventures in the rain, When the village landscape portrayed through a vastly different pane." brought many feelings and childhood memories of those yesterdays, when simple things of life used to fill us with serene joys. Great write df . With best wishes always...Ravindra
Andresen Avatar
August 21, 2020 at 4:49 AM
- "Children without a childhood so sophisticated with mobile phone" ... what childhood memories they have to remember ... sad to think of ... - Your memories bring joy and fragrance of my childhood too, Harry :) - Best wishes in the contest ... one of my favorites :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Dietrich Avatar
August 20, 2020 at 3:39 PM
I love this reminiscing of old times, Harry. May they stay golden as long as the last of us remain upon this earth. Soon enough, our magic days will be all but forgotten.
Proxenos Avatar
August 20, 2020 at 12:09 PM
Hi Harry, the children of today are adults before experiencing childhood. we can say that we enjoyed a far simpler life that cleansed us in preparation of entering adulthood. Blessings, Jennifer.
Devonshire Avatar
August 20, 2020 at 9:49 AM
What a lovely memory you shared with us, Harry! I remember trying to walk home from school in a blizzard when I was about five or six. We may have been "urchins," but we didn't know it at the time. Amazingly, we grew up just fine without video games. Love this poem! A fave. Hugs, Carolyn
Raven Avatar
August 20, 2020 at 6:41 AM
Hi Harry, such golden memories to keep and to share. I wish things could go back to those early years, things were so different then. I love the content of this write. This piece makes me remember back. Best wishes for the contest my friend. Have a wonderful Thursday. Your friend always....Mike.
Tor Avatar
August 19, 2020 at 5:18 PM
We all have our memories of that special place time can never erase but will always be part of us. Enjoy reading my friend...
Rodrigues Avatar
August 19, 2020 at 10:50 AM
Love this, Harry! Every generation has its memories. Glad that though my grandsons spend time with technology, their dad also takes them fishing and hiking in the sun. So important to play. Nice job.
Sharp Avatar
August 19, 2020 at 3:43 AM
Remembrance of better times, simpler times, very skilfully expressed, Harry; great write.
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
August 19, 2020 at 1:23 AM
wow this is so evocative of my youth xx
Cunningham Avatar
August 19, 2020 at 1:19 AM
Happy memories Harry, life was so much easier back then, kids played outside, hardly any crime, how things have changed. Good luck Tom
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