Winter Memories

Winter memories that are still so vivid and bright Those endless days playing with your mates Snow falling when it should do, kids shouting and screaming "It's snowing" running out, mum's shouting "Get some warm clothes on" Scarves, balaclavas and gloves, only your face showing Sledging in the snow, home made by dad, the lucky ones with bought ones And the snow was proper snow, snow that came and stayed Snow so deep you could only see your mate's head's above it. Snow that made you want to play, sliding down hills falling on your backsides Soaking your clothes getting your body chilled but still totally thrilled Digging the snow off your path with dad making snowmen, huge snowmen Who had carrot noses and coal for eyes and mouths with an old scarf around his neck to keep him warm No cars on the road the whole street your playground Having snow ball fights, taking sides and ganging up, wanting to be part of the best gang Lying in the snow rolling down hills laughing and shivering Then the darkness comes, off home to mum, she's fussing taking your wet clothes off droping them on the floor Towels and pyjamas hung by the roaring fire, being wrapped in the warm towel mum furiously rubbing "you'll catch your death" she's saying Pyjamas on, drinking warm milk sat on the carpet in front of the fire Watching TV, the Flintstones, Beverly Hillbilly's maybe Huckleberry Hound and Yogi Bear. Then it's bedtime, going up the stairs slowly not wanting to go, mum shouting after you "I'll be up in a minute" Kneeling at the side of the bed, saying your prayers, Our Father who art in heaven..... "Look after my mum and dad and my sister" then silently to yourself "Please God let the snow still be here tomorrow"