Ode to an Austin A40 Somerset

By Silver Spun Sand

Thu, 20 Sep 2012
  • 2651 reads
17 comments
 

All hail to thee – blessed car;
you served us well, and yet,
who could fail to recall
all those head-gaskets
you cost us...powder blue
with optional sun-roof
for the princely sum
of seven pounds, five
shillings, and sixpence.

Blessed be thy back-seat
with its fugged-up windows
that transported me and him
all the way to heaven
without turning the ignition,
yet drove us to perdition
the length of Putney High Street,
backfiring as we sped.

And blessed be that last,
smooth ride, when we brought
our daughter home – just
ten days old, and likewise,
the garage you languished in
when your big-end went,
to herald your demise,
and thus blessed be
thy final resting place
in that scrap-yard in the sky.

Certificate U
Poem
Silver Spun Sand Poems
Humour

Comments

Submitted by Highhat on
Never had a car or driver's license- but I know people grow to be very fond of their ve-hicle. I've loved all the bikes I've had- so it's sort of the same I guess. nice one Tina ;)Pia

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
The Austin A40 Somerset was only made for two years between 1954 and 1956. It holds a special place in many people's hearts, including mine...obviously. Ours we purchased in 1968, when they were 'going for a song'. Thank you for reading. Tina;-)

 

Submitted by Nolan on
Old soldiers never die they just fade away.
 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Well said, Nolan;-) Good to hear from you. Hope you are well. Tina;-)

 

Submitted by TVR on
I could not resist this, Tina. The Austin Somerset was one of the first Dinky Toys I owned, and from that point of view alone it has a special place in my heart. Also the Austin Devon and Dorset (both A40s), and later the A40 Farina. I guess it has memories of family (Sunday drives) outings? Lovely piece, well written (as usual) and such happy memories and nostalgia. Brought a tear to my eye. Really enjoyed. Oh, the ESSO sign means happy motoring, happy motoring, happy motoring... Call at the ESSO sign. Trev

TVR

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Trev...thanks, so very much. I hoped someone out there would be able to identify with this, and know the passion behind its writing. As I mentioned in the poem, the last journey it ever did was to bring me and my new baby home from hospital...Queen Mary's at Roehampton (which incidentally was adjoined to the renowned Limb Fitting Centre) - paramount, of course, in Douglas Bader's life. My first job ever was at that hospital, where I had the pleasure of getting to know quite a few of the children affected by the infamous drug, Thalidomide. And as for that ESSO sign ad...I can hear (and see) it now, in glorious black and white. Tina;-)

 

Submitted by Indrani Ananda on
Indrani Ananda My Dad would have loved this poem, Tina. What a lovely sentimental nostalgic memory-evoking piece you have written here. Like looking at old photographs! Indrani

Indrani Ananda

Submitted by TVR on
Yes, I certainly did identify with it, Tina. And no more nostalgic and memorable it is for you than to bring your new baby home in it. Such a shame that was to be the Somerset's swan song. Sob, sob... you've started me off again now. And yes, I remember the Thalidomide thing and all those dreadful deformaties as a consequence. You've certainly done some honourable work, Tina. And Douglas Badar - Reach for the Sky is still one of my favourite films, along woth Genevieve. The ESSO ad... I bet you can still catch it on Youtube. Best wishes, and lovely, poignant poem, by the way. Trev

TVR

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Much obliged to you, Trev, and I'll check it out on Youtube. Good idea. A peaceful weekend to you. Tina;-)

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Thanks, Indrani;-) Tina

 

Submitted by jolono on
Nice one Tina, my first car was an Austin Cambridge, still miss her!

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Thank you, jolono.

 

Submitted by hudsonmoon on
Lovely ode to the auto, Tina. They are very much a part of the family and you've captured it well here. Almost like losing a good friend. My favorite line: And blessed be that last, smooth ride, when we brought our daughter home Great line, Tina. Rich

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Thanks, Rich;-) Tina

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on
This poem gave me such a smile Tina. I love old cars, especially the vintage ones. When I see people driving them, who look after them, I think those cars will out live any modern car today. It was a pleasure to read this poem. Thankyou for sharing. Jenny.

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Thanks, Jenny. You're more than welcome. Tina;-)

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Thanks, Nathan...this particular car, way, way before your time. Nevertheless pleased you found it so enjoyable;-) Tina