The Growing Years

Never knew my Dad when I was a lad, Never knew what it was like, to go for a walk, and hold his hand. My, if I did, that would be grand. My early years are in the mist of time, Those times as a lad, covered in grime. Mum tried her best, this I now know, But without Dad, it was hard to grow. I wasn't a wild child, 'cos he wasn't there, I was just a lad who didn't really care, I did as I was told, with no talking back, Just the nice things of life I did lack. As soon as I could I put that life behind me, At the tender age of 15 I joined the army. When asked what I wanted,a decision was made. I went to Chepstow, where I learned my trade. What I found made me wonder and stare People taught me how to live my new life, It was different,scary, but that was that, Now was my time to wear a new hat. I soon knuckled down to this new job, For once in my life I had a few bob. I learned how to be clean in myself, Didn't know much about personal health. In a room of 20 lads, dirty was wrong, You had to stay clean for you to belong. So showers, often, became norm for me, As a very good soldier I wanted to be. So much happened during my stay, Until an accident occurred one day. I bust my back, there was so much pain, It didn't compare to being civilian again. It still doesn't, over 50 years later. © Dave Timperley. 06/01/2020