Golden Years

 Golden Years


💛 💛 


1974:

The year of Red Rum

And Abba’s Waterloo. 

And also, more importantly, 

The year that Mum and Dad

Got married. 


50 years ago, on the 15th of April, 

Mum walked elegantly up the path 

to Winsford Church

in her scalloped-sleeved white dress, 

Arm in arm with her Father Henry

To be wed, 

with her bridesmaids,

two of Dad's sisters, 

Pat and Lucy, 

looking the height of fashion

in their polyester turquoise and yellow ruched-sleeved dresses...


...And Dad, likewise, 

Seventies-swaggered up the same path

in his burgundy flared suit and sideburns 

with his best man Gerald. 


Since then they've walked their path together, 

as happy now as they were back then, 

if not more so. 


It's been a walk that's taken them

Through Exmoor’s combes and valleys;

The rocks of Lynmouth and Tarr Steps

Bridging their love of the great outdoors. 


They've walked through fields of toil, 

Dad ploughing his way through life, 

Bringing Spring lambs into the world

And bringing home the harvest. 


Starting out their married life in Winsford, 

They moved to Old Cleeve, 

Where I, their first lamb, was born

of a dairy-hand and a Woolworths supervisor.


Then came the call to East Quantoxhead, 

Where they live to this day, 

Surrounded by 45 years of memories 

And gratifyingly glorious gardens. 


Heather was born at Number 47

And Paul at number 49, 

They've brought our parents much happiness over the years, 

As have I, I hope! 


Sitting together in homely living rooms, 

At tables at Christmas and birthdays, 

Welcoming in the seasons as they've come and gone, we're a typical family… 


With our challenges as well as celebrations,

We've married, Heather and I, 

And brought 3 grandchildren into their lives, 

To keep them full of the joys of Spring. 


Esther, Rosa and Marcie, 

Three flowers in your posie, 

Three girls, young ladies, growing up

The pride! The future’s rosie.


It's no surprise really, 

Given nature's influence and your caring, garden-loving hands

That we've all grown into strong, healthy plants! 


Yes, the weather batters us sometimes, 

But your sunshiney disposition 

Of smiles and good humour

Has served us well. 


So, here's to you, dear Mum and Dad, 

Your loves an island in life's stream, 

We raise our glasses to you now, 

“To happiness, love and dreams”. 


A Wensley 

17.04.2024

Performed at Holford Village Hall 20.04.2024

For Mum and Dad's Golden Anniversary Party


💛💛



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