Yes those were the days, and like the Mary Hopkin song of that name, a number one hit in 1968, they certainly were the days back then.
But what do “the days” mean you might ask? Probably for most people it is the best times of their lives, and likely when they were “young, single and free”, as in few commitments, no children, or resposibilities for example. Sometimes referred to also as “the good old days”, a wag recently said, yes but of course we weren’t good, but were young!
So with great nostalgia those past days are looked back on with understandable wistful memories that are sometimes confused and maybe incorrect, although totally factual in our minds.From my 2nd book comes a poem “People Places”….
People Places
People and places from your past
Are no longer there, or the same.
So will make you notice more
The years you couldn’t tame.
People known from distant days
Maybe won’t still be around.
So you must indulge old friends
Before you too run aground!
Places where you knew each stone
Will now soon lose you in a trice,
And even finding a familiar part
Will still make you look twice,
Because memories will play tricks
On what you thought you knew,
And many a place or person now
Seems different from your view.
People known from distant days
Maybe won’t still be around.
So you must indulge old friends
Before you too run aground.
So going back where you’ve been
May not be for the very best,
As these places may disturb you
If they’ve not survived times test.
But people are somewhat different
Always worth a nostalgic greet,
For though they may have changed
It will be good for you to meet,
And share those long gone times
Where you both ran alongside,
Each other with your experiences
From which you should not hide.
*
So those were the days, those were the people and also probably those were the places that we look fondly back on too. I confidently suspect that among “the people” in the “those were the days” times will feature a special person or more in a romantic and loving way. Also from my second book comes….
A Wildest Dream
Looking back inside ourselves
How wistfully we can recall,
Times and places that have gone,
Wildest dreams that had to fall.
Many an act or adventure bold
That mostly could not be,
Something that was not known,
Or meant for you and me.
Eyes and ears that are seeking
Sights and sounds passing by,
Driven by some unknown force
That came from sea or sky.
So I listened to all the melodies
And then had to pick a card,
Knowing surely it would lose
And thus be forever marred,
By decisions that are Hobson’s
Though seen to be our choice,
But it’s very hard to call out
If the music has your voice!
Looking back inside ourselves
How wistfully we can recall,
Times and places that have gone,
Wildest dreams that had to fall.
I can still remember days
And wonder what we think,
Of those once upon a times,
When life was on the brink.
Music, love and laughter
That took stars from on high,
To put down for us to see
What light just had to die.
*
Some suggestion of romantic reflection there and I’m sure you all have your memories and special thoughts from past days of an exciting loving time too. Other wonderful experiences from “those golden times” may be included for you in my next poem from my 4th book, (a list of all my books and titles can be found at the end of this article as usual) which is very aptly entitled “Memories”..
Memories
Oh how well we can remember
The recognition of a mothers love,
Given so free and unconditional
As if sent down from high above.
Oh how well we can remember
The comfort of a big hug,
Like warming before a big fire
Sitting on a thick pile rug.
Oh how well we can remember
The magic of our first kiss.
As we puckered up together
With handsome hunk or pretty miss.
Oh how well we can remember ,
When we first had too much to drink,
Vowing never to do that again
As alcohol is stronger than you think
Oh how well we can remember
The wonder of when we first made love,
Feeling the intimacy and warmth
As we soared to skies above.
And it’s well that we remember
These precious moments of life’s thread,
To enjoy them and the memory
Before the time you wake up dead!
*
Magic moments from those glorious days then, but are they all totally factual and correct? Time, our memory, hopes and perhaps some genuine natural confusion may work to alter from what is in our mind to what exactly happenened, This has been the case with me when looking back with friends and old colleagues who recall things slightly differently, and in some situations, a lot differntly. Often something between the two recollections seems more likely. There are other suggestions and perhaps misconception from the following poem that is published in my 6th book…
Myths and Legends
History tells of many legends
But are they all true?
Or just poetic fabrication
To enrapture me and you.
For some seem too amazing
With acts of stunning wonder,
So are they really believable
Or just a factual blunder?
Which just sound good as stories
But are more myth than fact.
As somewhere along the line
The credibility was hacked.
So maybe I’m just a cynic
Who won’t swallow a party line,
But like the leopard and it’s spots
Can dull coins really shine?
For some great heroes of the past
Don’t stand a glare of scrutiny,
And a hard look back at facts
Show us another side to see.
And that closer look conflicts,
With what we’re led to believe.
But with events so long ago
It’s very easy to deceive.
So I prefer to look around
To find real heroes every day,
Who go about their business
In a brave, intrepid way.
From nurses, police and soldiers
To fire and ambulance teams.
Who always do their best,
However big the danger seems.
*
Another suggestion there that “those good old days” with regular blazing hot summers, blue skies and everything being just right are not totally or often rarely remembered correctly, but hey if it makes us feel beeter, what is the harm?
Final poem from my 5th book has a slight twist on the theme, but it has a point and still fits….
Back Pass
As I contemplate the world
I must also consider then.
How would I be received,
If I passed this way again?
For unlike the famous saying
We only pass this way one time,
That was more on our whole life
Rather than a local climb.
So back to my conjecture
Of how would I be perceived,
If returning to past haunts
Would I still be well received?
Well certainly I have never
Done anything criminal or dire,
That could be held against me
And cause a greeting to expire.
As I have always tried to live
By not wanting to wear a crown,
And always nice to people going up
I might meet coming down.
And with my other true motto
Possibly the best I ever had,
For if you can’t do a good turn,
Then don’t do one that’s bad.
Thus I really like to think
Happily and with some sway,
That I would be quite welcome
Should I return this way.
For people often mention my laugh
And say I have a ready smile,
But just to be on the safe side
I’ll be good for a little while.
*
Yes going back or even looking back doesn’t always work, but we often do it, and no harm if we just recognise it may not always be as we thought it was in those good old days that were…… errr, perfect?
All seven of my books :–
Poetic Views of Life
More Poetic Views of Life
Reviews of Life in Verse
Life Scene in Verse
Life Presented In Verse,
Poet Reveals All (in your world).
Poet Reflects Your World
These all ensure my donation to the excellent charity I support, promote and donate to, that being Help for Heroes.
My first 3 books are only priced £4.99 each, with my 4th and 5th bigger books at £6.99. My new 7th and sixth book, both bigger still are £9.99. and all are for sale on Amazon, book stores or preferably from me ………….. lw1800@hotmail.co.uk Or 07967 355236
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