Homework w/e 4/6/12 - Everything old is made new again.

[Maureen K Clifford]

Everything old is made new again.

‘How old do you think I am?’ he asked. I said I didn’t know.
‘Well I had just turned ninety six a few short years ago,
I’ve dodged a bullet more than once that was when in my prime
but seems the man upstairs decided then was not my time..
I fought the Hun in London, quenched those fires he sent to burn
the hallowed halls of England – but we stopped him, made him turn.
The London Blitz I’ll not forget, the smoke, the dust, the roar
of flames, the screams, the tears and cries. No matter rich or poor.


Back in those days you’d shine your brass and spit polish your boots
and spend your spare time training up those young and raw recruits.
Always at the ready, our fire- engines fairly gleamed.
A quick response when bells did ring for men and red machines.
We fought fires at the Dockyards and we fought fires on the Thames,
got called to Buck House more than once our King we would defend.
Information confidential received by my Flying Squad
meant we were there before bombs fell – at times you doubted God.

When the war to end all wars ended, peace fell across the land
I found that work was scarce and to many things turned my hand.
I cleaned windows, moved furniture, was once an undertaker
driving the hearse, the final ride as men went to their maker.
I turned my hand to many things back in those post war days
a wife to keep and kids to feed – ‘twas no time to be fazed.
Decision made, the big ships called, I’ve sailed the seven seas
with Queens, and met the nicest folks, back then life was a breeze.

And overall my life’s been good – not perfect, but not bad.
I’ve been blessed with a family, had good times with the sad.
And now I find myself up here living a life of ease
but helping out where e’er I can. Up here there’s no disease.
I keep an eye still on my kids and on my lovely missus,
the only thing I really miss are those cuddles and kisses.
There's grandchildren I’ve never held, I visit them at night.
When babies they can see me, but too soon they lose that sight.

Welcome to Heaven’s Gate old chum – there’s nothing here to fear.
Your old body will be renewed; we all look good up here.
I’m off to take a stroll now; perhaps you could walk with me,
there’s a dog or two to exercise. Part of my family.’
Together two blokes wandered off and both blokes were at ease
The sound of wind chimes drifted on the gentle evening breeze.
And running there beside them the red kelpie and the blue,
and a shepherd golden coloured. Those old dogs were happy too.

Maureen Clifford © 05/12

[mummsie]

Well done Maureen. The tune of "watermelon wine" was going through my head as I read.
And of course, what would heaven be without a dog or two.

Cheers
Sue

[Maureen K Clifford]

Cool - it does work with that Almost got it right too - old dogs and children and maybe sacrificial wine