Time Machine
TIME MACHINE
The Clock has been set for 1955,
For a journey into my history book,
Time Machine fired up and primed,
So, lets travel back, take a closer look.
Step outside into a strange new world,
Outside the house where I was born.
Like something from the olden days,
Children in clothing, tattered and torn.
Difficult to comprehend the scene,
Did I truly live during this time?
As if I’d arrived in an ancient land,
Strangely spectacular, surreal and sublime.
The Town has character but colourless,
No obvious signs of wealth.
Air is thick with smoke and sulphur,
Factory chimneys choke citizen health.
Noticeable the absence of bright light,
Men in flat caps and smoking.
Cigarette billboard for Senior Service,
Two and six for Twenty, must be joking.
Very few cars on the roads,
Bus Conductor, “Hold on tight”, any more fares.
Most of the men must be at work,
Street full of Ladies, Toddler in tow.
Milk fourpence a pint, that’s old money.
Loaf of Bread, just ninepence today.
Butter, reduced this week, just Two Shillings,
Mind you I’ve just seen the wages they pay.
In the bank window is a vacancy;
“Required experienced Gentleman Ledger Clerk
Generous annual salary £720 per annum
48 hours, excellent pay rewards hard work”
I contemplate the incredible changes,
During my life time of Sixty-Two years,
Almost like an HG Wells Novel,
Gazing in wonder, I fight back the tears.
My heart urges me to stay,
But the head, knows I must leave.
Mourning for people no longer here,
For a time in my past, I grieve.
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